In a critical diplomatic effort, Donald Trump’s peace delegation is engaged in crucial nuclear discussions with Iranian representatives in Geneva this Thursday. This diplomatic push comes as one of America’s most formidable warships, the USS General Ford, is set to reach the Middle East by Friday. The aircraft carrier arrives equipped with 5,000 U.S. military personnel, alongside a sophisticated array of air and naval weaponry. As reported by Axios, these negotiations are seen as the administration’s final attempt to peacefully alleviate escalating military tensions with Iran.

During his State of the Union address, Trump expressed a desire to secure a deal with the Ayatollah that would permanently prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. However, he cautioned that military action remains an option if diplomacy doesn’t succeed. According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. has also positioned advanced F-22 Raptor fighter jets in Israel, ready for potential deployment. Current talks, which are temporarily on hold, are expected to resume later today. An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader hinted at the possibility of an ‘immediate agreement.’ Meanwhile, Trump’s peace team, spearheaded by Ambassador Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, insists that Tehran must relinquish its enriched uranium reserves and commit to a perpetual nuclear deal.

In conjunction with these diplomatic efforts, the President has orchestrated a significant military presence in the Middle East, unmatched since the 2003 Iraq invasion. This show of force is largely seen as a tactic to coerce Iran into swiftly agreeing to a long-term nuclear agreement. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi is playing a crucial role in facilitating communication between the U.S. and Iran, relaying messages between the two parties. Additionally, direct interactions between U.S. and Iranian negotiators are taking place, as noted by Axios. The negotiations began with Iranian diplomats presenting their draft for a nuclear deal, but it remains unclear if this addresses the key issues of the U.S. delegation. During a pause in the talks, the Omani foreign minister expressed optimism, stating that ‘creative and positive ideas’ were being exchanged, with hopes of further progress.

As Trump gives diplomacy one last chance with Iran, reports have emerged that the President’s closest advisers are split on whether to strike Iran. Vice President JD Vance and DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard have reportedly urged Trump to pursue diplomacy rather than launch a strike against Iran. Others in Trump’s orbit, including Senator Lindsey Graham, are advising him to launch a joint military operation with Israel aimed at overthrowing the Ayatollah’s regime. Gulf nation allies, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have lobbied the White House to focus on negotiations over fears an Iranian streak could lead to a wider regional war. Reports have also emerged suggesting Trump’s top military advisers have yet to provide firm assurances that a strike on Iran could be carried out without risking American casualties.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff and Pentagon officials have warned Trump that a military strike could be risky, resulting in a prolonged conflicts and a shortage of crucial munitions. Military advisers have also noted that Iran could strike back with attacks from proxy militia forces in the region. If an American attack happens, Iran has said all US military bases in the Mideast would be considered legitimate targets, putting at risk tens of thousands of American service members. Iran has also threatened to attack Israel following a bruising 12-day war last year, meaning a regional war again could erupt across the Middle East.

‘There would be no victory for anybody – it would be a devastating war,’ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told India Today in an interview filmed Wednesday just before he flew to Geneva. ‘Since the Americans’ bases are scattered through different places in the region, then unfortunately perhaps the whole region would be engaged and be involved, so it is a very terrible scenario.’ Araghchi again will sit across from Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer and friend of Trump who serves as a special Mideast envoy for the president.