US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States is ready to launch fresh strikes on Iran if weekend talks in Islamabad do not produce a deal, saying warships are being reloaded with weaponry for possible action.
The remarks came as Pakistan’s capital was placed under strict lockdown ahead of what officials have described as historic negotiations between Iran and the United States. The talks, scheduled for Saturday, have been framed as a potential turning point in a crisis that has spread across the Middle East and raised hopes of an end to the war.
Despite the mounting pressure, Pakistani officials said the negotiations would go ahead as planned over the weekend. The talks are being watched closely because of the stakes involved and because their outcome could shape the next phase of the regional conflict.
But the diplomatic path remains uncertain. The ceasefire between the US and Iran appeared increasingly fragile as disagreements persisted over the terms of the discussions. At the same time, Israel continued its bombardment of Lebanon, further complicating efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there was no ceasefire in Lebanon, after Israel launched fresh strikes there. His comments added to the sense that the wider conflict remained active despite the diplomatic push in Islamabad.
The situation in Pakistan reflects the importance attached to the talks. Islamabad has become the focal point for intense international attention, with security tightened across the city as it prepares to host the negotiations. The atmosphere underscores how much is riding on the discussions, which many see as a possible last chance to prevent further escalation.
Trump’s warning suggested that Washington is keeping military options on the table if the talks break down. The reference to warships being reloaded with weaponry indicated that the US is preparing for the possibility of renewed strikes, even as diplomacy continues.
Meanwhile, the continued fighting in Lebanon has reinforced doubts about whether a broader ceasefire can hold. The violence there has complicated the already fragile atmosphere surrounding the US-Iran talks and raised concerns that the conflict could widen further if no agreement is reached.
The weekend negotiations in Islamabad are expected to be closely monitored by regional and international actors alike. For now, Pakistani officials are insisting that the meeting will proceed, even as the public signs of urgency and military readiness continue to build.
With strikes continuing in Lebanon and the prospect of new action against Iran hanging over the talks, the coming hours are likely to be decisive for diplomacy in the region.
