US President Donald Trump has said that he is ready to resume Iran bombardment if talks do not go well, signalling continued uncertainty over a fragile ceasefire and upcoming negotiations.
In an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Trump was asked directly if he would resume strikes if there is no progress in the coming talks in Islamabad.
“Well, I expect to be bombing because I think that`s a better attitude to go in with,” Trump said, adding, “But, you know, we`re ready to go. I mean, the military is raring to go.”
Asked if he would continue the ceasefire if there is progress in the next round of Iran talks, Trump said, “Well, I don`t want to do that. We don`t have that much time.” He added that Iran “had a choice” and “they have to negotiate.”
However, it remained unclear when the ceasefire actually expires. Tuesday night was initially described as the deadline when the pause was announced two weeks ago, but Trump told Bloomberg News that the ceasefire will now expire on Wednesday night.
Trump accuses Iran of violating truce as doubts grow over peace talks
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Iran of repeatedly violating a temporary truce, even as uncertainty deepened over upcoming peace talks and the ceasefire neared its end.
“Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform, without giving details.
The US leader also said Washington was in a strong negotiating position, even as the two-week ceasefire, agreed earlier this month, was set to expire by Wednesday.
“We`re going to end up with a great deal. I think they have no choice… We`re in a very, very strong negotiating position,” Trump told CNBC. “Iran can get themselves on a very good footing if they make a deal.”
Trump warned that if the ceasefire expires, “then lots of bombs start going off.”
He also said the US blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a deal is reached. The US Defence Department said its forces intercepted and boarded a “stateless sanctioned” vessel as part of enforcement action linked to Iran-related networks.
West Asia conflict: Diplomatic push amid tensions
Pakistan said it is continuing last-minute efforts to facilitate talks between the two sides in Islamabad, which earlier hosted a round of negotiations that ended without agreement.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides “to consider extending the ceasefire and to give dialogue and diplomacy a chance,” according to a Pakistani foreign ministry statement.
However, Iran has not confirmed participation in the next round of talks. Iranian state TV said no delegation had left for Islamabad, rejecting reports suggesting otherwise.
Tehran has accused Washington of acting in bad faith, while Iranian officials have warned they will not negotiate “under the shadow of threats” and may respond militarily if conflict resumes.
Iran denies sending delegation, tensions over ceasefire breaches
Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. The US has alleged attacks on ships in key trade routes, while Iran has criticised the US blockade and seizure of vessels.
Despite diplomatic uncertainty, Trump said he still expected a favourable deal.
India monitoring situation, in touch with Iran over ships and nationals
India said on Tuesday that it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and remains in contact with regional countries, including Iran, over the safety of Indian nationals and merchant shipping.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is in touch with Iranian authorities regarding safe passage of Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz and the welfare of Indian citizens in Iran.
He said India continues its diplomatic outreach in the region, including recent high-level visits to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and interactions at multiple levels on energy, diaspora and strategic issues.
India also raised concern over a recent firing incident involving Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and urged Iran to ensure safe navigation of merchant shipping.
Rising regional tension amid fragile ceasefire
The situation remains volatile as the ceasefire nears expiry, with warnings of renewed strikes if talks collapse. Trump has indicated that if no agreement is reached, “lots of bombs start going off,” while diplomatic efforts continue in parallel through regional intermediaries.
(With AP, IANS, and AFP inputs)
West Asia conflict highlights: Trump warns of renewed Iran strikes if talks fail
