Trump says he is dispatching negotiators, but warns Iran to take a deal

President Trump said US negotiators will be in Pakistan on Monday for peace talks as he warned Iran to take a deal or face strikes that would knock out all of its bridges and power plants. In the same social-media post, the president accused Iran of breaching its truce with the US by opening fire this weekend on the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s top negotiator said that there had been progress toward a peace deal with the US, but that “we are far from a final agreement.” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who also serves as parliamentary speaker, warned that Tehran stands ready to resume the fight should the US-Iran ceasefire collapse.

Mr Trump warned of sweeping military action if Tehran does not accept a deal. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the delegation would arrive in Islamabad by Monday evening 

Alongside the outreach, Trump issued a stark warning, saying the United States could “knock out every single power plant, and every single bridge” in Iran if it refuses what he called a “very fair and reasonable deal.” He added, “No more Mr. Nice Guy.” 

Trump accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement by firing in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that shots were directed at a French vessel and a UK freighter. He also claimed that Iran’s reported move to close the Strait was ineffective, asserting that a US “blockade” had already shut the key shipping route. According to Trump, the disruption is costing Iran heavily, with losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars a day. 

In a related development, Donald Trump said Vice President JD Vance will not lead the US delegation for the upcoming talks in Islamabad, citing security concerns. “It’s only because of security… JD’s great,” Trump told ABC News 

There have been numerous false starts on negotiating a deal, and while long term peace is possible, it is not the most likely outcome, and all possibilities are on the table.