New Delhi, April 8 -- US President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday (April 7) that the United States has initiated direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program, marking a significant diplomatic development amid longstanding tensions.

"We're having direct talks with Iran, and they've started. It'll go on Saturday," Trump told reporters at the White House, adding, "We have a very big meeting, and we'll see what can happen."

Trump emphasised his administration's commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. "Everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious," Trump said, hinting at possible military consequences if diplomacy fails.

"The obvious is not something that I want to be involved with, ...