US Warns Of Iranian Threat Ahead Of New Geneva Nuclear Talks

Senior officials in the Trump administration have intensified warnings about Iran, describing it as a significant threat to the United States just days before fresh nuclear negotiations in Geneva. American and Iranian representatives are set to meet Thursday for their third round of talks this year, as Washington increases its military presence in the Middle East amid speculation about potential strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump accused Iran of reviving elements of its nuclear program and developing missiles that could “soon” reach the United States. He also linked Tehran to past roadside bombings that killed American service members and civilians, and cautioned that it would be a “very bad day” for Iran if no agreement is reached. Iranian officials have warned they would target U.S. bases in the region if attacked.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the president’s stance during a visit to St. Kitts and Nevis, arguing that Iran is attempting to rebuild parts of its nuclear capacity. “After their nuclear program was obliterated, they were told not to try to restart it, and here they are,” Rubio said. “You can see them always trying to rebuild elements of it. They’re not enriching right now, but they’re trying to get to the point where they ultimately can.” He added that beyond nuclear ambitions, Iran possesses conventional weapons “solely designed to attack America and attack Americans if they so choose to do so,” and noted, “They already possess weapons that can reach much of Europe already now, as we speak.”

Rubio described Tehran’s refusal to address its ballistic missile program during the Geneva discussions as a “big problem,” though he characterized the upcoming meeting as simply “the next opportunity to talk,” expressing hope for progress while signaling that broader security concerns would eventually need to be addressed.

Vice President JD Vance confirmed that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet the Iranian delegation to explore the possibility of an agreement. “The principle is very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Vance said.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held talks with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is serving as a mediator. According to Iranian state media, Araqchi outlined “Iran’s points and considerations regarding the nuclear issue and the lifting of the U.S.’ illegal and unilateral sanctions.”

The renewed diplomatic push comes against a backdrop of heightened rhetoric, military deployments and longstanding disputes over sanctions, missile development and regional security.