As U.S. and Iranian diplomats prepare for critical nuclear negotiations in Geneva this week, revelations about potential military contingency plans have added urgency to diplomatic efforts. CBS News reported Sunday that former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli strikes on Iran's ballistic missile program during a December 2025 meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, should current negotiations fail.
The disclosure comes as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on February 15 for preparatory meetings ahead of Tuesday's formal talks. The negotiations will mark the second round of discussions this year between Tehran and Washington, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner leading the American delegation.
Regional dynamics complicate the situation, with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE recently reaffirming their refusal to permit use of their airspace for military actions against Iran. This stance presents logistical challenges for any potential operations against Iran's missile infrastructure, despite reported discussions about U.S. support mechanisms including aerial refueling capabilities.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a diplomatic tone during European consultations this week, stating: 'Our preference remains clear dialogue over confrontation.' Meanwhile, Araghchi's packed schedule includes meetings with Swiss and Omani counterparts, along with International Atomic Energy Agency officials, underscoring the multilateral nature of current diplomatic efforts.
Analysts suggest the Geneva talks represent a crucial test for regional stability, with outcomes likely to influence investment decisions across Middle Eastern energy markets and impact security considerations for Asian trading partners.
