Iran on Wednesday resisted pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of crucial talks in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear program, alternating between condemning his statements as “big lies” and expressing cautious optimism for an agreement through “honorable diplomacy.”

The comments by Iranian officials come as the U.S. has deployed its largest force of aircraft and warships to the Middle East in decades, part of Trump’s push for a deal amid growing domestic unrest in Iran following nationwide protests last month. Trump has repeatedly warned of military action if negotiations fail, raising fears of a wider regional conflict while the Israel-Hamas war continues. Tehran has already declared all U.S. bases in the region legitimate targets. Satellite imagery analyzed by The Associated Press shows U.S. warships normally stationed in Bahrain moving out to sea.

Oman confirms fresh US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva

Responding to Trump’s State of the Union speech, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei compared the president to Hitler’s propaganda minister and accused Washington of spreading disinformation. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf emphasized Iran’s readiness for diplomacy that respects its dignity, warning that any attack amid negotiations would provoke a “firm blow” from Iran’s defensive forces.

The talks, mediated by Oman, mark the third round between the two nations. Uncertainty remains over the timing, objectives, and scope of potential U.S. military action, the status of Iran’s nuclear program, and the wider regional consequences. Oil prices have risen amid fears of escalation, while Tehran could retaliate against U.S.-allied nations in the Gulf or Israel.