The U.S. and Iran are expected to hold a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva next Tuesday in an effort to reach a deal that prevents war, according to a U.S. official and three sources with knowledge.
Why it matters: While President Trump said he prefers a diplomatic solution and wants to reach a deal with Iran, he has also ordered a massive military buildup in the Gulf, including sending a second aircraft carrier strike group.
- "Either we will make a deal or we will have to do something very tough like last time," Trump told Axios on Tuesday.
Driving the news: The U.S. team in the talks will include Trump's senior adviser Jared Kushner and White House envoy Steve Witkoff, the sources said.
- The Iranian delegation is expected to be led by foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.
- Oman's foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is mediating between the parties, is also expected to attend.
Behind the scenes: A U.S. official said that earlier this week Witkoff spoke to the Omani foreign minister and gave him several messages regarding the nuclear talks to give to the Iranians.
- The Omani foreign minister prepared a document based on his call with Witkoff and gave it to the secretary of Iran's supreme national security council Ali Larijani who visited Muscat last Tuesday.
- Larijani confirmed he received the document with the U.S. messages in an interview on Iranian state television.
What he's saying: Trump told reporters on Friday that any deal with Iran must include zero enrichment of Uranium in the country.
- He said that while the Iranians want to have talks, they still haven't show they are willing to take action regarding their nuclear program.
- When asked if he supports regime change in Iran, Trump said it "seems like that would be the best thing that could happen."
- White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly declined to comment.
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