Top Iranian officials pressed the country’s leader to reverse his position, arguing that the risk of war with the United States and the worsening economic crisis could topple the regime.

Iran and the United States will begin crucial talks on Saturday to reach a new nuclear deal in an effort to ease tensions and avert another conflict in the Middle East that could further engulf the wider region.

In the lead-up to talks this weekend, President Trump reiterated his warning that military action was "absolutely" possible if talks failed.