In a significant development regarding the complex nuclear issue, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to participate indirectly in the new round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to begin today, Tuesday, in Geneva, Switzerland. Trump expressed cautious optimism, stating his belief that the leadership in Tehran is genuinely willing to reach an agreement that would end the current impasse.

Historical context and escalating tensions

These talks come at a critical juncture in US-Iranian relations, with the Iranian nuclear program representing one of the most complex issues in international politics for decades. Washington and other Western powers have long sought to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, while Tehran insists on its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The Geneva round of negotiations is of paramount importance given the historical accumulation of economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure that has shaped the current landscape, making any diplomatic breakthrough a globally significant event.

The military option is on the table

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described the upcoming talks as “very important.” These political pronouncements coincide with tangible military moves on the ground, as the United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East in a clear message of deterrence. Reports from US officials confirm that the American military is making extensive preparations for a potential protracted military campaign should the diplomatic track fail to achieve its objectives.

Negotiation obstacles and previous strikes

Regarding the chances of success for the negotiations, the US president pointed out that Iran had previously engaged in what he described as difficult negotiations, noting that Tehran had realized the consequences of its hardline stance. He cited the US strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites last summer, which he said marked a turning point in dealing with the crisis. The talks face a major obstacle: Washington's insistence on halting uranium enrichment within Iranian territory. The US administration considers this a fundamental guarantee against Tehran developing a nuclear weapon, while Iran views it as an infringement on its sovereignty.

Iranian preparations and regional repercussions

In a related development, and in parallel with diplomatic efforts, Iran continues to bolster its domestic preparedness. The Iranian Civil Defense Organization conducted large-scale drills simulating a response to a chemical attack in the Pars Special Economic Zone, an energy hub. These drills are part of broader efforts to enhance readiness to counter any potential threats in the south of the country, an area that houses vital energy facilities.

Observers believe that the results of these talks will not only affect bilateral relations between Washington and Tehran, but will also extend to the stability of the entire Middle East region and global energy markets, given the strategic location of the Arabian Gulf and its importance in global oil supplies.

In a press statement aboard Air Force One, US President Donald Trump announced his decision to participate indirectly in the crucial round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to begin Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland. Trump expressed cautious optimism, affirming his firm belief that Tehran is genuinely interested in reaching an agreement to end the current impasse.

This round of negotiations is of exceptional importance, with the US president describing it as “crucial” for the future of regional and international security. This diplomatic move comes at a highly sensitive time, marked by an unprecedented escalation of military tensions in the Middle East, particularly following recent US military deployments, including the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the region—a clear message of deterrence coinciding with the diplomatic efforts.

Background to the tension and the negotiating position

In discussing the prospects for success in these talks, Trump recalled the history of negotiations with Tehran, noting that Iran had previously engaged in difficult and complex negotiations. However, he pointed to a change in the situation on the ground, suggesting that the Iranian leadership had realized the consequences of its hardline stance, particularly after the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last summer, which might push Tehran toward adopting a more pragmatic approach in Geneva.

The talks face significant obstacles, most notably the failure of previous rounds due to Washington's insistence on its primary demand that Tehran halt uranium enrichment activities within Iranian territory. The United States considers this a red line, believing that continued enrichment could enable Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, something the international community seeks to prevent in order to preserve the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Military preparations and failure scenarios

While attention is focused on the diplomatic talks in Geneva, US officials have revealed that the military option remains firmly on the table. They confirmed that the US military is making extensive preparations for a potential protracted military campaign should the negotiation process fail to achieve its objectives, placing the region at a dangerous crossroads between a diplomatic breakthrough or a full-scale military escalation.

On the other hand, as part of its preparations for all scenarios, the Iranian Civil Defense Organization conducted large-scale drills simulating a response to a chemical attack in the Pars Special Economic Zone. These maneuvers are part of efforts to bolster defense readiness against any potential threats targeting vital installations in the south of the country, reflecting serious concerns about a possible military confrontation should the talks reach an impasse.

The results of these talks will not only affect bilateral relations between Washington and Tehran, but their impact will extend to the stability of global energy markets and regional security in the Middle East, making the world's eyes turn towards Geneva in anticipation of what this crucial round will produce.

The Lebanese government has officially announced that the Lebanese army needs at least an additional four months to complete the second phase of the national plan to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This announcement comes at a highly sensitive time, as the country faces complex field challenges, including ongoing Israeli violations and attacks, as well as logistical obstacles hindering the military's movements on the ground.

Details of the second phase and field deployment

Following a cabinet meeting, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos explained that the government reviewed the monthly report submitted by the army command regarding the progress of the "weapons control" plan. He indicated that the second phase, which requires an extension, covers the strategic geographical area extending from the Litani River in the south to the Awali River in the north (at the entrance to Sidon). This area is vital for ensuring the stability of the south and militarily isolating the border regions from the rest of Lebanon.

The government had approved this plan last August, and the army announced in January the completion of the first phase, which covered the entire area south of the Litani River. However, Israel deemed the measures taken insufficient to guarantee its security, prompting it to continue its localized military operations.

The post-war context of 2024 and security fragility

These developments gain significance from their timing, as Lebanon attempts to solidify the ceasefire reached in November 2014 after more than a year of bloody clashes between Hezbollah and Israel. Despite the agreement, Israeli forces continue to occupy five strategic hills inside Lebanese territory, violating the terms of a complete withdrawal, and persist in launching airstrikes under the pretext of preventing Hezbollah from rebuilding its military capabilities.

Sharp internal division and Hezbollah's position

In contrast, the government's move provoked angry reactions from Hezbollah's leadership, reflecting the depth of the internal political crisis. The party's deputy secretary-general, Naim Qassem, launched a scathing attack on the government's plan, describing the focus on disarmament at this time as a "grave sin." Qassem argued that these steps serve the Israeli agenda and weaken Lebanon's defense position, accusing the government of making gratuitous concessions that encourage Tel Aviv to escalate its aggression. He called for an immediate halt to all measures related to disarming the militias.

Strategic and international dimensions

This issue has dimensions that extend beyond the local sphere, as the international community, particularly the states sponsoring the ceasefire agreement, is closely monitoring the Lebanese state's ability to fully assert its sovereignty over its territory. The army's success in this endeavor is a true test of the implementation of international resolutions and a guarantee against the region sliding into a new regional war. The announced four-month delay could place Lebanon under additional diplomatic pressure, amid concerns that Israel might use this delay as a pretext to expand its military operations or consolidate its occupation of the strategic points it currently controls.