US President Donald Trump said he expects planned negotiations with Iran in Pakistan to proceed despite public statements from Tehran casting doubt on participation.
“We’re supposed to have the talks,” Trump told the New York Post on Monday, expressing confidence that the process remains on track and adding that he assumes “nobody’s playing games.”
Trump also indicated that he would be open to meeting senior Iranian leaders directly if progress is made. “I have no problem meeting them,” he said, while emphasizing that the US delegation includes experienced officials capable of handling the negotiations.
He reiterated that the central US demand is that Iran abandon any effort to develop nuclear weapons, stating that there “will be no nuclear weapon.” Trump added that Iran could prosper if it complies with this requirement.
AFSI’s take:
Every action taken by Trump resembles a chess match; one that he aims to win. Last Friday, he declared that Iran had assured him it would never again close the Strait of Hormuz and would yield 100% of its enriched uranium. Announcement of a ceasefire appeared to be encouraging for the U.S. However, less than 24 hours later, Iran dispatched IRGC naval forces to close the Strait and obstruct all shipping. Iran’s sudden reversal only exposed itself—rejecting negotiations, intensifying threats, reinforcing its nuclear ambitions, and supporting its terror proxies. While we did not expect Iran to keep its word, their about face is a chess move anticipated by Trump. He remains resolute that Iran must not attain nuclear capabilities and strategizes every move to ensure that it does not occur. The next move in this chess match is yet to unfold and we are certain Trump’s central demand will not change.