Trump Claims Indirect Role in Iran Talks

- In 2018, then-President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a 2015 agreement that had lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. He referred to it as a "horrible, one-sided deal." - Following the 2018 withdrawal, the Trump administration launched a "maximum pressure" campaign, reinstating and adding sanctions to severely restrict Iran's oil exports and cut it off from the international financial system. This policy was officially restored in February 2025. - The current U.S. negotiating team in Geneva is led by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The talks are being mediated by Oman. - While the 2015 JCPOA focused on nuclear enrichment, the current U.S. position, influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also seeks to include limitations on Iran's ballistic missile program. - The negotiations are taking place amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, with a second aircraft carrier deployed and officials preparing for a possible military campaign if talks fail. - The latest round of talks concluded with both sides agreeing on a set of "guiding principles" to move forward, with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating "the path has started." - Alongside diplomatic efforts, the U.S. and Israel have reportedly agreed to intensify economic pressure, specifically targeting Iran's oil sales to China, which account for over 80% of its exports. - Mr. Trump's statement about being "indirectly" involved follows his earlier threats that Iran would face "consequences" for not making a deal, a reference to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in the summer of the previous year.