Washington: Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States must secure a “meaningful deal” with Iran, citing positive but challenging negotiations aimed at easing tensions between the two countries.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington, Trump said discussions with Iran had been constructive but complex.

"Good talks are being had. It's proven to be, over the years, not easy to make a meaningful deal with Iran. We have to make a meaningful deal, otherwise bad things happen," he said. He noted that reaching a substantive agreement with Tehran has historically been difficult, adding that failure to do so could lead to serious consequences.

Geneva talks to ease US–Iran tensions

Indirect talks were held on Tuesday in Geneva involving US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

The discussions are aimed at preventing a further escalation in the long-running US–Iran dispute, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Nuclear programme at centre of dispute

The US is pressing Iran to abandon its nuclear programme, citing security concerns. Tehran has consistently denied seeking to develop an atomic weapon and has rejected calls to dismantle its nuclear activities.

According to a senior US official, Iran is expected to submit a written proposal addressing Washington’s concerns during the ongoing Geneva negotiations.

The renewed diplomatic push comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with global markets closely monitoring developments in US–Iran relations.

Inputs from Reuters