In the shadow of war: Trump open to indirect talks with Iran

President Donald Trump is reportedly open to indirect talks over Iran's nuclear program, even while substantially building up American forces in the region, according to a report today (Wednesday) by Axios.

Two US officials told Axios that the Trump administration is interested in the idea of indirect talks with Iran over its nuclear program, even though Trump himself would prefer direct talks - an option Iran has rejected.

The efforts at restarting the talks take place under the threat of a possible military strike against Iranian nuclear weapons development sites, with strategic bombers such as the B-2 and B-52 being deployed to US bases throughout the region. Iran has tried to counteract this threat by noting their claimed ability to hit the bases with ballistic missiles.

The Trump administration has also reimposed "maximum pressure" sanctions on Iran, which is already reeling from a combination of high inflation, high unemployment, and a collapsing currency - economic troubles which have led to multiple protests and consternation within the Iranian government.

Trump has set a deadline of two months for negotiations to work, but like many red lines laid down by the President, it's not clear how bright the red line is or when the deadline is.

For its part, Iran has steadfastly refused to negotiate its non-nuclear programs such as ballistic missile development, and it has not said what it would be willing to give up, if anything, in terms of its nuclear weapons program.