The region could be days, maybe even hours, from a major conflagration — the biggest since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. The third round of critical US-Iran indirect talks in Geneva on Thursday has been described as a last-ditch chance to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and other issues. But despite all the warning signs that war may be imminent, there are indications that a diplomatic breakthrough is still possible.

The upcoming talks come as the U.S. continues to build up military forces in the region and as Trump warns of "bad things" if Iran doesn't agree to a deal.

If the negotiations fail, Trump repeatedly has threatened to attack Iran.