Donald Trump on Monday said he would be involved “indirectly” in upcoming nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, signalling cautious optimism that Tehran is willing to reach an agreement. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the talks—scheduled to begin Tuesday in Geneva—as highly significant and suggested both sides understand the stakes.

The comments come as tensions escalate in the region, with the United States deploying a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East ahead of the negotiations. US officials told Reuters the military is preparing contingency plans for a sustained campaign if diplomatic efforts fail. Trump indicated Iran may still negotiate firmly but suggested recent developments have made Tehran more inclined toward a deal.

“I don’t think they want the consequences of not making a deal,” Trump said, referring to last summer’s US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Previous rounds of talks had stalled over Washington’s demand that Iran halt uranium enrichment on its own soil—a condition the United States considers essential to preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons capability.

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Separately, Iran’s civil defence organisation conducted a chemical defence drill on Monday at the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in southern Iran. The exercise was aimed at strengthening preparedness for potential chemical incidents at the strategic energy hub, highlighting the heightened security environment surrounding the renewed diplomatic push.

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