WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said indirect talks between the United States and Iran are underway through Pakistan, claiming the negotiations are making “positive progress.”
In an interview with the Financial Times, Trump said both sides are engaged in backchannel diplomacy. He did not disclose details of a possible agreement or ceasefire.
When asked about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump avoided specifics but said discussions were moving “in a positive direction.”
He claimed US forces had already struck 13,000 targets in Iran and said around 3,000 remained. “We can reach a deal soon,” he added.
Trump also said Iran allowed Pakistani-flagged oil tankers to pass through the strait as a “gesture.” He claimed the number of vessels had doubled in recent days.
He further alleged that Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf approved the move.
“They gave permission. I said it was a gift, and people doubted it. Now they see it,” Trump said. “Talks are going very well.”
Trump Claims ‘Major Success’ in Military Campaign
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared a “big day” in operations against Iran. He said US forces had destroyed multiple key targets.
“Our great military has struck and eliminated several major targets,” he wrote.
Speaking earlier aboard Air Force One, Trump said Washington was holding both direct and indirect talks with Tehran. He described the engagement as “very positive.”
He said he remained confident about reaching a deal but did not rule out failure. He also claimed the US had achieved its objectives of “regime change” in Iran.
In a separate interview, Trump said he wanted control over Iran’s oil. He suggested the US could seize Kharg Island, a key export hub.
Iran Warns of Escalation, Mocks Trump’s Peace Claims
Iranian officials responded cautiously to Trump’s remarks. They warned that the conflict could intensify.
Officials said Trump’s talk of peace often signals escalation. “When he speaks of peace, it usually means we are closer to war,” one official said.
Speaker Ghalibaf warned that any US ground invasion would trigger a long and complex conflict. He said such a war would create political risks for Trump ahead of US midterm elections.
Iranian officials said they are prepared. They warned that if US troops enter Iran, regular forces and the Basij militia would respond directly.
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They cautioned that US forces could suffer heavy casualties. Such losses, they said, could prolong the war and damage Trump’s presidency.
