Just as reports emerged of a deadlock in the ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran, hosted in Pakistan, due to certain disagreements and preconditions, raising doubts about the seriousness of these efforts, US President Donald Trump stated that the talks, which commenced more than five hours behind schedule, have now officially begun.
US President Donald Trump affirmed that negotiations with Iran have officially commenced; however, in an interaction with the US media outlet NewsNation.com, his tone appeared somewhat uncertain.
He remarked that he has “no idea” in which direction the talks would proceed, adding that he would put Iran’s goodwill to the test “in a very short period.” Trump emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz would soon reopen and indicated that alternative routes for oil transport are also emerging.
US and Iran Talks: Describing Iran as a “failed nation,”
Describing Iran as a “failed nation,” he warned that should diplomacy fail, the US stands ready to “reset” its approach, a signal indicating a preparedness to deliver an even tougher response if deemed necessary. Responding to a question, US President Donald Trump stated, “The Strait of Hormuz will open very soon. Iran is a failed nation. But I think people are realising that there are other options available besides passing through the Strait of Hormuz.”
On Saturday, senior officials from Washington and Tehran gathered in Islamabad for what marked the most significant meeting between the two sides in decades. The meeting was attended by JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, alongside Iran’s Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to Pakistani Sources
According to Pakistani sources, the discussions lasted for approximately two hours before both sides paused the negotiations. Pakistan’s military leadership was also present at the meeting, underscoring Islamabad’s pivotal role in facilitating the dialogue. Even after talks had commenced, confusion persisted regarding the situation on the ground. A U.S. official indicated that U.S. Navy vessels had transited the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies.
However, Iranian state media and Pakistani officials disputed this claim, highlighting a discrepancy in information between the two sides. Meanwhile, Trump claimed on social media that the U.S. military was clearing this route and that the strength of the Iranian Navy had been significantly diminished.
Also Read: The Inside Story of the Islamabad Talks: How China’s Security Guarantee Sealed the 14-Day Ceasefire
