WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: Former US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about a potential agreement with Iran, despite continued military escalation across the region.
Pakistan Offers to Host US-Iran Talks as Regional Powers Push for Diplomacy
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said negotiations with Tehran were advancing positively. “I think we’ll make a deal with them, I’m pretty sure, but it’s possible we won’t,” he remarked, adding that talks were going “extremely well.”
Trump indicated that both direct and indirect channels of communication were active, claiming Iran had shown flexibility on key issues. He further asserted that recent US strikes had effectively resulted in “regime change” in Tehran, describing the country’s new leadership as “very reasonable” and open to diplomacy.
Reports suggest that an initial Israeli strike on February 28 led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, triggering a leadership transition.
Conflict Continues Despite Diplomacy
Despite positive signals on negotiations, military operations have persisted. Trump confirmed that US forces carried out additional strikes on Iranian targets, calling it a “big day.”
“We are negotiating with them… and then we always have to bomb them,” he said, highlighting Washington’s dual-track approach of military pressure alongside diplomacy.
He also claimed that Iran had allowed up to 20 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a goodwill gesture. The route remains a critical artery for global energy supplies, including oil and LNG shipments.
Pakistan Steps Up Mediation Role
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary in efforts to ease tensions. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad is preparing to host meaningful talks between Washington and Tehran in the coming days.
According to Dar, both sides have expressed confidence in Pakistan’s facilitation role. A recent quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad brought together foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, focusing on de-escalation and regional stability.
Participants stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving the conflict.
Iran Rejects Pressure
Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused the United States of sending contradictory signals and warned against further escalation.
“As long as the Americans seek Iran’s surrender, our response is that we will never accept humiliation,” he said, cautioning that Tehran would respond strongly to any deployment of US ground forces.
The United States has already deployed thousands of troops to the Middle East, keeping the option of a ground offensive open. However, Trump suggested Washington has “lots of alternatives” and hinted that a deal with Iran could be reached soon.
An Israeli official also signaled that military operations would continue regardless of ongoing diplomatic efforts, underscoring the fragile and volatile nature of the situation.
