NEW DELHI: Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will soon engage in direct nuclear talks with Iran, warning Tehran of "great danger" if the negotiations fail.

Trump, speaking to reporters after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, said the discussions will begin Saturday and would take place “at almost the highest level,” although he did not disclose the location or identify the negotiators.

“We're dealing with them directly and maybe a deal is going to be made,” Trump said. “Doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.” He firmly reiterated that “Tehran can’t get nuclear weapons.”

When asked whether military action was on the table if talks collapsed, Trump responded, “Iran is going to be in great danger, and I hate to say it.” He added, “If the talks aren't successful, I think it's going to be a very bad day for Iran.”

Netanyahu voiced support for Trump's diplomatic efforts, stressing that Israel and the U.S. share a common goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

This announcement came during Netanyahu’s unexpected visit to Washington — his second in just over two months — during which the two leaders also discussed global tariffs, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Trump used the opportunity to draw contrasts with former President Barack Obama’s 2015 Iran nuclear deal, from which he withdrew the U.S. during his first term. The original agreement, which included the UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia, had lifted major sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.

Commenting on how a potential new agreement would differ, Trump said, “I think it’ll be different and maybe a lot stronger.”

Trump and Netanyahu also discussed U.S.-Israel relations, regional dynamics including Turkey, and the International Criminal Court, which had previously issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader. In February, Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC over its investigations involving Israel.