What does Trump want to achieve by keeping Iran under pressure?

US President Donald Trump has announced the start of direct talks with Iran over its nuclear program. He warned of "strong consequences" if Tehran does not give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons, AP News reported.

Trump made the statement after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Talks are scheduled to begin on Saturday.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the talks would be held indirectly — through Omani mediation. "This is an opportunity, but also a test. This time, the ball is in the US's court," he wrote on his X social media page.

Trump had previously accused Iran of supporting Hamas, Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi movement and called on Tehran to halt its nuclear program. He then sent a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning of the risk of "unprecedented war" if a deal was not reached.

Experts believe that Trump is seeking to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia by putting pressure on Iran, which could pose a strategic threat to Iran in the context of the conflict in Gaza.