Trump says he is willing to meet Iranian leaders if 'Islamabad Talks' make progress

Washington (Web Desk): US President Donald Trump said on Monday that JD Vance-led senior US delegation was set to land in Islamabad within hours for talks on Iran, expressing confidence that a deal could be signed “today.”

Reports by Anadolu Agency and Al Jazeera said he told Fox News the agreement may be finalised the same day, following earlier remarks to the New York Post confirming the delegation’s travel.

Trump said he is open to meeting Iranian leaders if progress is made and dismissed concerns of a breakdown in talks. “We’re supposed to have the talks… nobody’s playing games,” he said.

He confirmed the delegation — including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — is en route and expected in Islamabad the same night. He stressed the US demand that Iran abandon nuclear weapons, saying,

“There will be no nuclear weapon,” while warning consequences of failure “wouldn’t be pretty.”

Meanwhile, Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran seeks to end what he called a US- and Israel-imposed war while preserving national dignity.

During a visit to a fire station, he highlighted the need for careful crisis management and later reconstruction, noting economic and social challenges would require public cooperation.

Pakistan intensified diplomatic efforts, with Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir discussing mediation and the Strait of Hormuz with Trump, as officials voiced hope for “positive development soon.” However, Iran has not confirmed participation in talks, with state media citing “excessive” US demands.

Tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations. Esmail Baghaei said there is “no plan” for further talks, calling US proposals unrealistic and rejecting any compromise on Iran’s nuclear programme or defence capabilities.

As per Reuters, quoting a senior source, key differences persist, particularly over missiles, and warned US actions are undermining peace efforts.

China also raised concern after the US seized an Iranian cargo ship, with spokesperson Guo Jiakun urging restraint. President Xi Jinping, in a call with Mohammed bin Salman, stressed maintaining safe shipping routes and resolving tensions through dialogue.

Pezeshkian also thanked Shehbaz Sharif for peace efforts while criticising Washington’s actions as violations of commitments. With the US seizing a vessel and Iran threatening retaliation, fears are rising that the fragile ceasefire may collapse before a lasting agreement is reached.