U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that a deal with Iran would be signed "tonight" in Pakistan, despite no confirmation from Tehran that they will even attend the talks.
The statement comes as a two-week ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday evening, with Trump warning of devastating military action if an agreement is not reached.
"If no deal is signed, I will blow up every single power plant and bridge in Iran," Trump told Fox News, adding that the Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked until a final settlement is achieved. He emphasized his primary goal is ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.
In Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed deep skepticism, posting on X that "deep historical mistrust" persists. He characterized Washington’s signals as "contradictory" and a demand for "surrender," vowing that Iranians will not submit to force.
While Trump stated that Vice President JD Vance and envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are en route to Islamabad, conflicting reports suggest Vance may still be in Washington. This follows a previous round of high-level talks in Pakistan on April 11-12, which ended without a breakthrough.
The U.S. military continues to enforce a strict naval blockade, with Central Command reporting that 27 vessels have been turned back from Iranian ports since the operation began.
Trump pointed to the recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela as a template for his "Regime Change" strategy if negotiations fail.
