The United States and Iran have reportedly extended their diplomatic talks in Islamabad, with US President Donald Trump expressing optimism about the possibility of a deal. In a media briefing, Trump stated that the talks may or may not yield an agreement, but emphasized that the outcome would not affect the ongoing negotiations. US Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan confirmed that two American ships have successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Arabian Gulf.
Trump claimed that the US has already defeated Iran, implying that the war has been won. However, he also hinted that Iran may have hidden mines in the water, which the US Navy is equipped to detect and neutralize. Trump warned that if China were to supply Iran with arms, it would face significant consequences.
Trump also disclosed that the talks with Iran began early in the morning and lasted for approximately 20 hours, during which several key issues were discussed. According to Trump, the US team has left Islamabad, and the talks will continue.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani over the phone. On social media, Trump stated that the talks with Iran were productive, with many key issues being addressed. However, he also noted that the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the nuclear program.
The UK and Australia have expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in the talks, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, warning of an attack on Israel. Pope Francis delivered a weekly address at the Vatican, emphasizing the need for peace and dialogue.
Former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif cautioned that the US should understand that Iran cannot be coerced into accepting certain conditions. Iranian MP Ebrahim Asefi stated that Iran cannot trust the US, and it’s time for the US to prove its commitment to the talks. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a senior Iranian official, announced that part of the Lavan refinery will be operational within 10 days.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged the US and Iran to return to the negotiating table and maintain a ceasefire. Mark Bullock, a former US diplomat, had his passport revoked due to a security clearance issue.
Trump stated that the ongoing talks are the longest in a year, lasting for over 24 hours. He also emphasized that the talks were productive, with many key issues being addressed. However, he noted that the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the nuclear program.
A detailed investigation into the traffic jam on Shah Faisal Bridge in Karachi’s Korangi area has revealed new information. Senator Saeed Khan, a senior Pakistani politician, has expressed concerns that the US was planning to overthrow Iran’s leadership following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The US team has reportedly left Islamabad, and the talks will continue.
