Talks with Trump a necessity for sanctions-hit Iran

US President Donald Trump appeared to catch Tehran off guard on Monday when he announced “direct talks” between the arch-foes over Iran’s nuclear programme, having previously threatened to bomb the Islamic republic.

Despite previously having expressed major reservations over the talks, Tehran has agreed to participate but through an intermediary.

– What does Iran want? –

The priority for the Islamic republic is the lifting of biting sanctions that have placed a stranglehold on the energy-rich…