Trump Says He Will Be 'Involved Indirectly' in US–Iran Talks

The U.S. president expects Iran to come to an agreement to restrain its nuclear weapons program.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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President Donald Trump said he would be indirectly involved in the second round of nuclear talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva on February 17. Trump said the talks are 'very important' and that he expects Iran to come into an agreement that would restrain its nuclear weapons program, though he warned that if Iran failed to reach a deal, it would be 'very traumatic' for the regime.

Why it matters

The U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are a critical diplomatic effort to address concerns over Iran's nuclear program and prevent further escalation of tensions between the two countries. Trump's indirect involvement signals the high stakes and his administration's continued focus on this issue.

The details

Trump said Iran could have avoided the June 2025 airstrikes on its nuclear infrastructure by reaching a deal with the United States earlier. He said Iran is a 'very tough negotiator' but believes they want to make a deal to avoid the consequences of not doing so. The previous round of talks in Oman on February 6 concluded without an agreement, with Washington seeking to expand the scope to include Iran's missile stockpile, which Tehran has rejected.

  • On February 16, Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One.
  • The second round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are scheduled for February 17 in Geneva.
  • The previous round of talks took place on February 6 in Oman.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who says he will be indirectly involved in the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.

Abbas Araghchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister who announced he is traveling to Geneva with a team of nuclear experts ahead of the talks with U.S. officials.

Badr al-Busaidi

The Foreign Minister of Oman who is mediating the U.S.-Iran talks.

Rafael Mariano Grossi

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) who had 'in-depth technical discussions' with Araghchi in preparation for the negotiations.

Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran who has said Iran does not seek to attack any country but 'will strike a strong blow against anyone who attacks and harasses' its territory.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think they want the consequences of not making a deal.”

— Donald Trump, U.S. President (theepochtimes.com)

“I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (theepochtimes.com)

“We had to send the B-2s. So I hope they're going to be more reasonable.”

— Donald Trump, U.S. President (theepochtimes.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are a high-stakes diplomatic effort to address concerns over Iran's nuclear program and prevent further escalation of tensions between the two countries. Trump's indirect involvement signals the continued importance of this issue, though the path to an agreement remains uncertain.