WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible visit to Islamabad if a final peace agreement between the United States and Iran is successfully concluded there, expressing optimism over ongoing negotiations.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “If a deal is signed in Islamabad, I may go. They want me,” indicating confidence in Pakistan’s role as a key mediator in the talks.
He claimed that Tehran had accepted “almost everything” under negotiation, though he reiterated Washington’s demand for the dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump also suggested that the current ceasefire — set to expire soon — may be extended, although a timely agreement could make that unnecessary.
The diplomatic momentum comes amid intensified efforts led by Pakistan to turn the temporary truce into a lasting settlement. Officials have indicated that a second round of talks between Washington and Tehran is likely to be hosted in Islamabad, although no official date has been announced.
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Tahir Andrabi, confirmed that Islamabad is maintaining open channels with all stakeholders and expects further negotiations soon.
Meanwhile, security preparations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been significantly enhanced, with thousands of police and security personnel deployed, particularly in sensitive areas such as the Red Zone, to ensure the safety of visiting delegations.
Pakistan’s diplomatic role has drawn global attention, especially following the visit of Asim Munir, who traveled to Tehran in what observers described as a crucial peace mission. His engagements included meetings with Iranian leadership, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
International media, including The New York Times, have highlighted Pakistan’s growing influence in brokering dialogue between the two adversaries, noting its efforts to sustain the fragile ceasefire.
However, caution persists. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Washington remains prepared to resume military operations if negotiations fail, stressing that the US military is fully ready for renewed conflict if required.
In a parallel development, Trump also announced a separate diplomatic breakthrough involving a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, describing it as a positive step toward broader regional stability.
With the ceasefire deadline approaching, all sides are now racing against time to finalize at least an initial agreement, with Islamabad emerging as a central मंच for high-stakes diplomacy.
Story by Anwar Iqbal
Munawer Azeem in Islamabad and Mohammad Asghar in Rawalpindi also contributed to this report
