In a surprise development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would begin direct, high-level talks with Iran over its nuclear program. The statement came during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, initially focused on trade issues.
Speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, Trump expressed cautious optimism about reaching a new nuclear agreement with Tehran, but issued a stern warning: “If the talks aren’t successful, Iran is going to be in great danger… because they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
The announcement marks a dramatic shift, following Iran’s repeated rejection of direct negotiations. While Tehran confirmed the upcoming discussions—set for Saturday in Oman—it emphasized they would be “indirect.” According to Tasnim News Agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will attend, alongside U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
“This is as much an opportunity as it is a test,” Araghchi said on X. “The ball is in America’s court.”
Trump stated the talks would be “at almost the highest level” and involve no intermediaries. He declined to specify the venue.
The diplomatic overture comes amid heightened tensions. Speculation has grown over potential Israeli military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, particularly if a new accord is not reached. Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement during his previous term, escalating regional volatility.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel and the U.S. are working on a separate agreement to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, following the collapse of a short-lived, U.S.-brokered truce.
“We’re working now on another deal that we hope will succeed,” Netanyahu said. “We are committed to bringing all our hostages home.”
Trump doubled down on his controversial proposal for the U.S. to “control” the Gaza Strip, calling it a “great piece of real estate.” He first introduced the idea during Netanyahu’s prior visit in February.
Notably, their planned joint press conference was abruptly canceled without explanation. Instead, the two leaders addressed a smaller group of reporters in the Oval Office.
Netanyahu’s visit—his second since Trump’s return to office—was organized on short notice, days after Trump imposed a 17% tariff on Israeli goods as part of his “Liberation Day” economic measures. Despite Israel’s status as the largest recipient of U.S. military aid, Trump did not exempt the country from his sweeping tariff initiative, citing a significant trade imbalance.
In response, Israel announced it would eliminate its remaining tariffs on U.S. imports. Netanyahu also pledged to address the bilateral trade deficit and reduce regulatory barriers.
Ahead of his White House meeting, the Israeli leader met with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. He also held talks with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy for Middle East negotiations.
Separately, Russian, Chinese, and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Moscow on Tuesday for consultations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.