Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch fresh strikes on Iran if weekend talks in Islamabad do not produce a deal, saying American warships are being reloaded with weaponry.
The comments came as diplomatic efforts over the war in the Middle East remained fragile. The US-Iran ceasefire appeared increasingly precarious on Friday, with disputes continuing over the terms of the negotiations and Israel pressing ahead with its bombardment of Lebanon.
Meanwhile, the streets of Islamabad were placed under a strict lockdown as Pakistan’s capital prepared to host what has been described as historic talks between Iran and the US. Pakistani officials have insisted that the make-or-break negotiations will go ahead over the weekend as planned.
Pressure builds ahead of the talks
The weekend meeting is being seen as a crucial attempt to halt a conflict that has caused major upheaval across the region. The discussions in Islamabad are expected to test whether the opposing sides can reach an agreement after weeks of escalating tension.
But even as the talks were being readied, the diplomatic track was under strain. The US and Iran have remained at odds, while the fighting in Lebanon has added another layer of uncertainty to already difficult negotiations.
Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon have fueled doubts about whether any broader pause in hostilities can hold. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said there is no ceasefire in Lebanon, despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Vance warns Iran against stalling
US vice-president JD Vance also weighed in, warning Iran against trying to “play” the United States during the peace talks. His remarks added to the pressure on Tehran ahead of the planned meeting.
The situation has left the ceasefire effort hanging in the balance, with both sides signaling that the talks will be consequential. For the moment, the prospect of a breakthrough remains tied to whether the Islamabad negotiations can produce a workable agreement.
Pakistani authorities have kept the capital tightly controlled as the city prepares for the arrival of officials involved in the discussions. The security measures reflect the significance of the moment, as the region waits to see whether diplomacy can slow the wider conflict.
If the talks fail, Trump’s warning suggests the military option remains on the table. If they succeed, the negotiations could mark a major step toward reducing tensions in a war that has already spread far beyond its original flashpoints.
For now, the region remains on edge as leaders balance threats, ceasefire claims and urgent diplomatic maneuvering ahead of the weekend meeting.
