United News of Bangladesh

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.

Iran said it has reached an understanding with the United States on key guiding principles aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme following indirect talks in Geneva. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said some work still remains, while Washington acknowledged that progress was made during the discussions. Oman, which is mediating the talks, said the negotiations ended with good progress toward identifying shared goals and technical issues. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi described the outcome as constructive. The meeting came amid heightened tensions, including repeated US military warnings over Iran’s nuclear activities and its crackdown on protests. US President Donald Trump earlier said he believed Tehran was interested in reaching a deal. The US and its European allies have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran has consistently denied. Iran has said the talks focus on its nuclear programme and the possible lifting of US economic sanctions, while Washington has indicated interest in discussing other issues, including Iran’s missile programme. A US official said the sides would continue discussions, with Iran expected to return with detailed proposals in the coming weeks to narrow remaining gaps. US Vice President JD Vance said some US red lines were yet to be addressed. Trump, speaking earlier, said Iran wanted to avoid the consequences of failing to reach an agreement, referring to past US military action against Iranian nuclear sites. Iran has meanwhile warned against threats, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying attempts to predetermine the outcome of negotiations would be wrong. The latest round followed earlier indirect talks held in Oman, which both sides had described as a positive start.   With inputs from BBC