"The next 48 hours are critical"; Will Trump attack Iran?

Analyst Lea Kummer added that, in the event of a conflict escalation, Iran would have little chance against the United States and its ally Israel.

Speaking to Tanjug about the upcoming talks between Iranian and U.S. officials, scheduled for tomorrow in Geneva for the third time, Kummer noted that while Iran is a skilled negotiator, war with America is highly undesirable for Tehran. She said Iran would likely try to delay negotiations to gain time.

“Donald Trump’s administration has people both for and against an attack on Iran, so I think we will have to wait a bit for the forecasts emerging from analysts. I believe the next 48 hours are crucial,” she said.

On how U.S. pressure and threats affect the negotiations, Kummer stressed that no one can be 100% certain how far Iran has progressed in uranium development and enrichment.

“We have to wait because intelligence is hard to obtain; so far, only Mossad has succeeded. Currently, it is unknown where the facilities are hidden, and six months ago the International Atomic Energy Agency found nothing alarming, but it is probably concealed in underground bunkers beneath nuclear facilities,” she added.

Commenting on the choice of Geneva as the venue, Kummer said it is a suitable location due to the city’s long tradition in nuclear and security negotiations and because Switzerland is neutral, which gives negotiators some comfort.

Asked whether Iran sees Trump’s statement that “regime change in Iran would be the best thing that could happen” as a threat capable of triggering a wider conflict, Kummer responded that Iran has little chance against Israel and the U.S. in a direct confrontation. She noted that Iran could, however, block the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt global trade.

Regarding how Iran might respond to a U.S. military strike, Kummer said indirect resistance is likely, such as attacks on nearby ships.

“They have small boats and tactics similar to the Houthis, who have even managed to damage and sink large vessels, but they have few other significant options. The danger is that war could flare across the region, which worries all neighboring countries, mostly U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” she concluded.