Iran pushes back against Trump ahead of Geneva talks

Iran's officials denounced some of President Trump's statements while also saying diplomacy could still produce an agreement; the U.S. has imposed new sanctions and increased military deployments as talks are scheduled for Thursday in Geneva.

Iran pushed back Wednesday against President Donald Trump's pressure ahead of talks in Geneva over Tehran's nuclear program. Two Iranian officials alternated between denouncing his remarks as false and saying negotiations could produce an agreement through diplomatic means. The U.S. has announced new sanctions and deployed a large number of aircraft and warships to the Middle East. Another round of talks, mediated by Oman, is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva. Key points: - Iranian officials publicly rejected some of President Trump's statements and also indicated that diplomacy remains possible. - The U.S. announced new sanctions targeting people, companies and ships and has increased military deployments in the region. - U.S. and Iranian negotiators are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday with Oman acting as a mediator. Summary: Iran's statements and U.S. measures reflect heightened tensions as negotiators prepare to meet in Geneva. The next scheduled step is Thursday's talks; the outcome is undetermined at this time.