Islamabad: US President Donald Trump on Monday signalled that he would be personally willing to meet senior Iranian leaders if ongoing negotiations in Islamabad produce a breakthrough, as a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance arrived in the Pakistani capital for a crucial second round of talks.
The renewed diplomatic push comes at a tense moment, with a fragile ceasefire between the two sides set to expire within days, raising concerns over possible escalation if negotiations fail.
Trump Says He Is Open To Direct Meeting With Iranian Leaders
In a phone interview with the New York Post, Trump confirmed that the US delegation was already en route to Pakistan.
“They’re heading over now,” he said.
When asked whether he would personally meet Iranian officials if talks show progress, Trump responded without hesitation.
“I have no problem meeting them. If they want to meet, and we have some very capable people, but I have no problem meeting them,” he said.
Speaking separately to Axios, Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of a deal.
“I feel fine about it. The concept of the deal is done. I think we have a very good chance to get it completed,” he said, adding that “nobody’s playing games” at this stage.
JD Vance Leads Second Round Of Historic Talks
Vice President JD Vance, who led the first round of direct US–Iran talks earlier this month, is once again heading the American delegation.
He is joined by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner.
The initial round of negotiations, held in Islamabad from April 11–12, marked the first direct engagement between the United States and Iran in decades. The talks lasted an intense 21 hours but concluded without a final agreement.
Tensions Rise After Iran Fires On Commercial Vessels
The renewed negotiations come against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region.
Iran reportedly fired on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after announcing that it would once again close the vital waterway.
Posting on his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!”
“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. No more Mr. Nice guy!” Trump warned.
Iran Reviewing Participation As Ceasefire Deadline Approaches
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was “positively reviewing” participation in the second round of talks, though a final decision had not yet been confirmed as of Monday morning.
Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf acknowledged that significant differences remain between the two sides.
“Many gaps and some fundamental points remain,” Qalibaf said, while maintaining that Iran remains committed to diplomatic engagement.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire is scheduled to expire Tuesday night, increasing pressure on negotiators to reach at least a temporary agreement before the deadline.