Iran pushed back against pressure from President Donald Trump ahead of renewed nuclear talks in Geneva, with officials alternating between condemning his statements as 'big lies' and signaling openness to an agreement through honorable diplomacy. The exchanges come as the United States has deployed a significant concentration of aircraft and warships to the Middle East, raising regional tensions.

Trump, in his annual address to Congress, accused Iran of rebuilding its missile and nuclear capabilities and warned of further consequences if Tehran continues its activities. Satellite imagery previously analyzed by The Associated Press indicated work at missile production facilities and nuclear sites damaged in earlier strikes. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, though Western governments and the International Atomic Energy Agency have long expressed concern.

Iranian leaders warned that any military action during negotiations would trigger retaliation, with one senior official saying diplomacy would be met with diplomacy, but attacks would bring a forceful response. Tehran has also said American bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets in the event of conflict.

Uncertainty surrounds both the outcome of the Geneva talks and the potential scope of any military action. Questions remain about the current state of Iran’s nuclear program, the risk of broader regional escalation, and the impact on global energy markets as oil prices rise amid growing fears of conflict.