On Friday, US President Donald Trump delivered a pointed message to Iran via his Truth Social platform, asserting that the country possesses no substantial bargaining power aside from briefly pressuring the global community through its influence over major shipping lanes.
In his post, Trump stated that Iran’s sole motivation for continuing exists to engage in talks. This statement followed his earlier comments in a New York Post interview, where he indicated readiness for further military action, noting that American naval vessels are being equipped with top-tier munitions and prepared to act if the upcoming negotiations in Pakistan do not succeed.
As Vice President JD Vance traveled to Islamabad to head the US delegation, Trump highlighted the urgency of the diplomatic opportunity, predicting that outcomes would become clear within a day.
Iran’s representatives in the talks are anticipated to include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Prior to the conflict, Araghchi had maintained that Iran holds an inherent right to uranium enrichment.
Trump voiced doubts about Iran’s reliability, pointing out inconsistencies between private assurances of dismantling nuclear capabilities and public statements favoring continued enrichment.
The agenda for the discussions includes US requirements such as Iran surrendering approximately 1,000 pounds of concealed enriched uranium and ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open for global maritime traffic. Trump has stressed that unrestricted access through the strait is vital for any truce, although traffic has been minimal since the cessation of US airstrikes.
Additional topics involve ceasing Iran’s backing of allied groups in the region, addressing its missile development, and Iran’s call for the removal of American economic penalties.
Trump also criticized Iran, suggesting it excels more in media manipulation and public image management than in military endeavors.
From the White House, officials expressed hope for a positive resolution as the talks commence in Pakistan. Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly informed Fox News that President Trump believes an agreement is achievable.
She explained that Vice President JD Vance, along with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Senior Adviser Jared Kushner, and personnel from the National Security Council and State Department, are spearheading the effort, having coordinated closely throughout the process. Kelly voiced assurance that the negotiations could lead to enduring stability in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf declared on X that discussions would not start without fulfilling certain prerequisites, including a truce in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iran’s seized funds.
He emphasized that these conditions, previously agreed upon, must be met beforehand. Iran has been barred from accessing billions in revenue from oil and gas sales held in international banks due to US restrictions on its financial and energy industries.
(Compiled from agency reports)
Published: April 10, 2026, 21:46 IST
