Trump sends envoys to Pakistan for ‘last chance’ Iran talks

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that American representatives will arrive in Islamabad on Monday evening for a new round of negotiations with Iran, describing the upcoming talks as a final opportunity to reach an agreement. “My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan -- They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. In a separate interview with Fox News, he warned that if Iran does not sign the deal, “the whole country is getting blown up,” with bridges and power plants among potential targets. He called the proposal “a very simple deal” and Tehran’s “last chance.”

Who is leading the US team?

Conflicting reports have emerged over who will head the American delegation. Trump told the New York Post that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Pakistan, with his son-in-law Jared Kushner also participating in Tuesday’s talks. Vice President JD Vance, who led a previous round, will not attend, Trump said. However, ABC and Axios reported, citing officials, that Vance will actually lead the team. ABC later said Trump told them Vance would not go due to security concerns, with the Secret Service unable to arrange a vice-presidential visit on 24-hour notice. There has been no official White House clarification.

Hormuz tensions and threats

Trump alleged that Iranian forces violated the existing ceasefire by firing on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, including a French ship and a UK-flagged freighter. He claimed Tehran has threatened to close the strategic waterway, arguing such a move would cost Iran $500 million a day. “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!” he wrote. He added: “IT'S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END!”