Trump Signals Imminent Iran Deal as US Delegation Heads to Islamabad

By Tahir Shah :

Donald Trump said a high-level American delegation was set to arrive in Islamabad within hours for fresh negotiations with Iran, expressing confidence that a deal to end the conflict could be signed “today”.

Speaking in an interview, Trump indicated he would be willing to personally meet Iranian leaders if progress is achieved, underscoring optimism that the talks would move forward despite lingering uncertainty. He said the United States was firm in its demand that Iran abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons, describing the condition as “very simple”.

The US delegation, expected to include Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, is travelling to Pakistan for what could be a decisive round of diplomacy ahead of the ceasefire deadline.

At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed the importance of pursuing diplomatic avenues to reduce tensions, while warning that distrust of Washington remained necessary given recent developments.

Tehran, however, signalled hesitation over further talks. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there were currently no plans for a second round of negotiations, criticising US demands as “unrealistic” and accusing Washington of violating ceasefire terms.

Tensions have continued to rise around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, where both sides have accused each other of breaching the truce. Iran has tightened control over maritime transit in response to a US naval blockade of its ports, while Washington has taken enforcement actions against vessels attempting to bypass restrictions.

The fragile ceasefire, brokered earlier this month with Pakistan’s mediation, is due to expire within days, raising fears that hostilities could resume if negotiations fail.

Despite the uncertainty, Trump maintained that talks were progressing, saying the US had “very good conversations” with Iran and suggesting that developments would become clearer soon.

The latest diplomatic push comes amid mounting global concern over energy supplies, as disruptions in the Gulf region continue to push oil prices higher and unsettle international markets.