Trump Says More Talks Tuesday, but Iran Won't Attend
Trump told Fox News that US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would travel to Islamabad for negotiations, warning that if Iran does not accept US terms, Washington could target key infrastructure. He specifically threatened strikes on bridges and power plants, echoing earlier statements about expanding the scope of potential attacks if diplomacy fails.
US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran to extend the ceasefire would resume Tuesday, even as Tehran signaled it has no plans to participate and cast doubt on the prospects for an agreement.
Trump told Fox News that US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would travel to Islamabad for negotiations, warning that if Iran does not accept US terms, Washington could target key infrastructure. He specifically threatened strikes on bridges and power plants, echoing earlier statements about expanding the scope of potential attacks if diplomacy fails.
He said the United States is demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and give up its highly enriched uranium, conditions Tehran has repeatedly rejected.
Despite Trump’s optimism, Iranian state media reported that no delegation is currently expected to attend the next round of talks. Officials cited what they described as shifting US positions, continued naval pressure, and “unrealistic demands” as obstacles to progress.
Iranian sources have also indicated that lifting the US maritime blockade is a precondition for any renewed negotiations. The blockade, imposed after Iran restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, remains a central point of contention.
In public statements following the interview, Trump intensified his rhetoric, warning that failure to reach a deal would result in sweeping strikes on Iranian infrastructure. At the same time, he told Israeli media there is still a strong chance of reaching an agreement in the coming days.
Israeli officials have signaled uncertainty about US intentions, with one senior figure acknowledging the difficulty of interpreting Trump’s shifting messages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the campaign against Iran is “not over yet,” adding that developments could come quickly.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued to rebuild parts of its missile and drone capabilities and warned it is prepared for renewed conflict. Iranian officials also reiterated that they will not relinquish enriched uranium or accept terms they view as violating their rights under international law.
With the ceasefire set to expire soon, both sides appear to be preparing for either a last-minute agreement or a return to fighting.