WASHINGTON: Donald Trump said his administration appreciates Pakistan’s role in facilitating ongoing US-Iran negotiations, hinting that he may personally attend talks in Islamabad as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a deal.
“We are grateful for the job Pakistan is doing,” Trump said, adding, “I might go” for the Islamabad talks as Pakistan continues to engage both sides toward an agreement. He expressed confidence that a breakthrough could come soon, saying “the good news will happen very soon,” while reiterating that any deal would require Iran to compromise on its nuclear programme.
The US president also underscored Washington’s military posture in the region, claiming that the US Navy has established firm control over the Strait of Hormuz through a “very powerful blockade.” He said the move aims to pressure Tehran while ensuring maritime oversight in the sensitive shipping corridor.
Commenting on broader global tensions, Trump urged both Russia and Ukraine to end hostilities and pursue peace, while rejecting suggestions that Iran should be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.
In a separate development, Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, saying both sides had agreed following diplomatic engagements in Washington. He described the talks as “excellent conversations” with Benjamin Netanyahu and Joseph Aoun, adding that the agreement took effect immediately.
According to Trump, delegations from both countries met in Washington earlier this week in what he termed the first formal engagement between the two sides in 34 years. He also unveiled a “peace team” tasked with advancing a longer-term settlement, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and senior military officials.
Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said troop morale remained high, stressing that American operations were focused on military targets and aimed at bringing Iran back to the negotiating table.
Military officials said the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz began earlier this week, with US forces warning vessels to avoid the route. At least 13 ships have reportedly turned back after receiving alerts, while thousands of personnel and multiple naval units have been deployed as part of the operation.
The developments come as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran, with Islamabad emerging as a key venue for high-level engagement aimed at easing regional tensions.