'We’re Far Ahead In The War': Donald Trump Speaks As Iran Talks In Pakistan Remain Uncertain

Washington: The clouds of war between America and Iran have not cleared yet. On one hand, preparations for the second round of talks are going on in full swing in Islamabad, on the other hand Iran has clearly refused to sit at the table. A large delegation led by US Vice President JD Vance is preparing to leave for Pakistan, but Tehran's silence has put a question mark on the entire effort.

Was the first round of talks inconclusive?

On April 11 and 12, talks took place for 21 hours between the two countries in Islamabad. Many important issues like Iran's nuclear program, Strait of Hormuz and sanctions were put on the table, but no result was achieved. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi claimed that both sides were very close to an agreement, but America changed its terms midway. As soon as talks broke down, Trump announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Has the ceasefire remained just a paper agreement?

The two-week ceasefire signed on April 7 was shaky from the beginning. America and Iran both accused each other of breaking it. Meanwhile, the US Navy seized Iran's cargo ship 'Touska' in the Gulf of Hormuz. Tehran called it open piracy and said that as long as the blockade continues, there is no atmosphere for talks.

Did Trump close the door to extending the ceasefire?

President Trump simply said that the ceasefire would expire on Wednesday evening Washington time and that it was "extremely impossible" to extend it. He definitely said that he will not make a bad deal under any pressure, but also threatened that if the agreement is not reached, Iran's power plants and bridges will be destroyed.

Is Trump confident in his military power?

Trump claimed on social media that the US blockade is breaking Iran's back and will not be lifted until a deal is made. He also said that the agreement that will be reached will be much better than the nuclear deal of the Obama era.

Will Iran return to the negotiating table?

Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir himself went to Tehran and conveyed Washington's message to the Iranian leadership. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to Iranian President Pejeshkian on phone for about 45 minutes. Iran has definitely said that it trusts only Pakistan for talks, but has not yet given any concrete indication of coming to Islamabad. Wednesday's deadline is approaching and the eyes of the world are on Islamabad.