US President Donald Trump said he believed that Iran was willing to engage in direct talks over its nuclear program, a day after Tehran indicated it would be willing to negotiate through intermediaries.

The White House is seriously considering an Iranian proposal for indirect nuclear talks, while at the same time significantly boosting U.S. forces in the Middle East in case President Trump opts for military strikes,

The statement marks the first official acknowledgment from Iran about its response to a letter sent by President Donald Trump.