The US and Iran will hold “direct talks” over a possible new nuclear deal on Saturday, says President Donald Trump.

Hours after the surprise announcement, Iran’s foreign minister said the talks in Oman would be “indirect” but could be “as much an opportunity as… a test”.

Trump – who pulled the US out a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers during his first term – said discussions would be at “very high level” and that Iran would be in “great danger” if talks were not successful.

Last month, Iran said it was open to the possibility of indirect talks after Trump said he wanted a deal to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and avert possible US military action.

Trump disclosed the talks after a White House meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has also threatened to strike Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran insists its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, but it has increasingly breached the restrictions imposed by the existing deal in retaliation of the crippling US sanctions reinstated seven years ago. Iran has also stockpiled enough enriched uranium to make several bombs.