U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that American representatives will travel to Pakistan for further discussions with Iran, which he accuses of violating agreements. The negotiations are scheduled to take place on Monday, April 20.
Trump’s comments came via his social media platform, Truth Social, where he expressed concerns over Iran’s alleged breaches of ceasefire agreements, specifically citing attacks on French and British vessels.
The talks are set to occur in Islamabad, with U.S. officials arriving on Monday evening. Trump stated that Iran is inadvertently assisting the U.S. by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, claiming this action results in a daily loss of $500 million for Tehran, while the U.S. experiences no financial detriment.
He remarked, “The United States loses nothing. In fact, many ships are now heading to the U.S., Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska to load up, thanks to the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), which always wants to be the ‘tough guy.'”
In a series of threats directed at Iran, Trump indicated that should the country refuse to agree to a peaceful resolution, the U.S. would target all Iranian power plants and bridges. He stated, “We are offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they accept it, because if not, the United States will destroy every power plant and every bridge in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY! They will fall quickly, they will fall easily.”
Previously, Trump had suggested that he might not extend a temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran if negotiations did not yield a final agreement on halting hostilities by Wednesday.
Context:
- On April 18, Iran once again blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil exports from Gulf countries, citing the U.S. failure to lift its port blockade.
- On April 17, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that, according to ceasefire terms in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz would be fully open during the ceasefire.
- However, Trump responded that the blockade of Iranian ports would remain in full effect until a U.S.-Iran agreement is “100% fulfilled.”
President Trump has announced a new round of negotiations with Iran, set to take place in Pakistan, while reiterating accusations of Iranian violations. The discussions come amid heightened tensions and threats from the U.S. regarding potential military actions if a peaceful resolution is not reached.