U.S. President Donald Trump announced on April 7, 2025, that Washington is engaged in 'direct' talks with Iran regarding its nuclear program.

The announcement was made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who left without securing the anticipated trade concessions.

President Trump stated, 'We have had direct discussions with Iran.

They started, and they will continue on Saturday; we will have a very big meeting.' He emphasized that this meeting would take place 'at a very high level.'

This revelation marked a significant shift in U.S. diplomatic engagement with Iran, particularly as Iran had previously rejected any direct dialogue with Washington, insisting instead on 'high-level indirect discussions' facilitated by Oman.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the indirect talks scheduled for Saturday, stating, 'This is as much an opportunity as it is a test.

The ball is in America's court.'

The United States and Iran have not maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1980, following the hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution.

However, communication between the two nations has occurred through Switzerland's embassy in Tehran, with Oman frequently acting as a mediator in discussions.

During the meeting, President Trump noted that if a new accord were to be reached, it would be 'different and perhaps much more robust' than the previous agreement made in 2015. That deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saw the easing of certain sanctions in exchange for limitations on Iranian nuclear activities.

Trump withdrew the U.S. from this agreement during his first term in 2018. He warned that Iran would be 'in great danger' if negotiations did not lead to a resolution.

Meanwhile, Iran is expected to consult with its partners, Russia and China, in Moscow on April 8 regarding the nuclear discussions.

Netanyahu, known for his hardline stance against Iran, reiterated that Iran must never produce nuclear weapons and called for the diplomatic talks to result in a complete dismantling of its nuclear capabilities.

In addition to the nuclear issue, Netanyahu's visit aimed to address new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Israeli imports, which he described as a means to eliminate the trade deficit between the two nations.

However, no exemptions or reductions to the announced 17% tariffs, effective from April 9, were agreed upon.

When asked if he would reconsider the trade tax, President Trump responded, 'Perhaps not.

Remember, we help Israel a lot.' Despite efforts from Israel to avoid the tariffs by lowering remaining duties on American goods, no successful negotiations emerged.

Netanyahu further stated that Israel is working on a new agreement for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

The situation in Gaza remains volatile, particularly following an escalated military offensive by Israeli forces that resumed on March 18, 2025, after a fragile ceasefire was established following a significant attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Recent negotiations had allowed for the return of 33 Israeli hostages, eight of whom had died, in exchange for the release of approximately 1,800 Palestinians from Israeli prisons.

Currently, of the 251 hostages taken during the October attack, 58 are still believed to be held in Gaza, including 34 confirmed deceased by the Israeli military.