Following unsuccessful discussions between the US and Iran in Islamabad, efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue are resuming, alongside warnings of potential military action. US President Donald Trump has cautioned Iran about extensive attacks on its facilities while his representatives gear up for arrival in Pakistan on Monday evening to begin another session of talks.
In a message on Truth Social, the president stated that his team would reach Islamabad for the negotiations. The prior session last week ended without agreement when Iranian officials declined US requests for prompt curbs on uranium enrichment activities. In response, the US established a naval restriction in the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with The New York Post, Trump noted that his designated representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are set to arrive in Islamabad before the talks recommence. He mentioned that the sessions should start soon after their arrival.
Trump clarified that Vice President JD Vance would not participate in the trip to Pakistan. Earlier statements from US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright had suggested Vance would head the delegation.
However, the president’s communication soon turned to warnings. He indicated that rejecting a proposed agreement, which he called equitable, could lead to a major armed operation against Iran’s key structures.
On Truth Social, Trump alleged that Iran violated a truce by firing in the Strait of Hormuz, with shots directed at foreign ships. He wrote that Iran targeted a French vessel and a British cargo ship, describing the act as unacceptable.
Trump further asserted that Iran’s moves were harming its own financial interests by blocking the strait, estimating daily losses at $500 million, while the US faced no such impact.
He added that fuel transports were being rerouted to American locations, including ports in Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, due to actions by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Despite openness to dialogue, Trump declared that without acceptance of the offer, the US would target all power facilities and bridges in Iran. He emphasized an end to leniency and called for halting Iran’s aggressive actions.
Since US and Israeli strikes on February 28, Iran has restricted access to the strait for most ships, permitting only its own. Although Iran announced intentions to reopen it on Friday, the status remains unclear.
Ship monitoring data showed two gas tankers approaching the strait earlier, but reports from Iran’s Tasnim agency indicated they were repelled by military forces. Traffic data reflected minimal activity afterward.
The ongoing conflict, now in its eighth week, has caused significant disruptions to worldwide energy markets. Oil costs have risen sharply with the strait, which handles about 20% of global oil, largely inaccessible. As the April 22 truce expiration nears, Iran faces increasing pressure, with the US threatening broad sanctions and possible strikes on nuclear and defense installations if no accord is achieved.
