Trump to Play Behind-the-Scenes Role in Iran Nuclear Talks

The United States and Iran are set to engage in negotiations on Tuesday, marking a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement. Ahead of the talks, US President Donald Trump has announced that he will be "indirectly" involved in the process, sparking speculation about the extent of his role.

According to Trump, his indirect involvement is a deliberate choice, driven by his belief that Iran wants to make a deal. The President's comments suggest that he is willing to take a step back and allow his team to handle the negotiations, while still maintaining a level of influence over the process.

The Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in 2015 between Iran, the US, the UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia. The agreement imposed strict limits on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. However, in 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the deal, citing concerns about Iran's ballistic missile program and its regional activities.

Since then, tensions between the US and Iran have escalated, with both sides imposing sanctions and engaging in a series of tit-for-tat measures. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for conflict, with many experts warning that the collapse of the nuclear deal could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability.

Despite the challenges, there are signs that both sides are willing to engage in negotiations. Iranian officials have stated that they are open to talks, but only if the US is willing to lift its sanctions and return to the JCPOA. The US, on the other hand, has insisted that Iran must agree to stricter limits on its nuclear program and address concerns about its regional activities.

Trump's decision to take a behind-the-scenes role in the negotiations is seen as a significant development. While it is unclear what exactly his indirect involvement will entail, it is likely that he will be briefed regularly on the progress of the talks and will have the final say on any agreement.

The President's team, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Special Envoy for Iran Brian Hook, will be leading the negotiations. Both officials have been vocal critics of the JCPOA, but have also expressed a willingness to engage in diplomacy with Iran.

As the negotiations get underway, all eyes will be on the outcome. A successful agreement could help to reduce tensions between the US and Iran, and pave the way for a more stable Middle East. However, the challenges ahead are significant, and it remains to be seen whether the two sides can overcome their differences and reach a deal.

Sources close to the negotiations have expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for a successful outcome. While there are no guarantees, they say that the fact that both sides are willing to engage in talks is a positive sign.

Ultimately, the success of the negotiations will depend on the willingness of both sides to compromise and find common ground. As Trump's indirect involvement suggests, the US is willing to take a flexible approach to the talks. Whether Iran is willing to do the same remains to be seen.