US President Donald Trump announced that Vice President JD Vance and a senior American delegation are en route to Islamabad for further talks with Iran. Speaking to The New York Post on Monday, Trump expressed confidence in the negotiations proceeding despite uncertainty.
The delegation includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, expected to arrive within hours. “They’re heading over now,” Trump said, adding they would be there tonight, Islamabad time.
Trump downplayed concerns of a breakdown in talks, stating he assumes progress will continue. He also signaled openness to direct engagement with Iranian leadership if negotiations move forward successfully.
Iran’s central issue remains its nuclear program, and Trump reiterated that Iran should abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons. “There will be no nuclear weapon,” he said, adding that compliance would allow Iran to prosper.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is positively reviewing participation in the proposed talks, though a final decision has not been made. The official noted mediation efforts led by Pakistan are ongoing to resolve tensions and facilitate Iran’s presence at the negotiations.
Pakistan is preparing for the next round of talks in Islamabad, with heightened diplomatic and security arrangements. However, Iran insists it will not join unless the US blockade of Iranian ports is lifted, leaving the process delicately poised.