US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he is not considering extending the ongoing two-week ceasefire with Iran. However, he indicated that a negotiated settlement would be the best outcome to end the conflict in West Asia.
Speaking to American media, the US President said that he did not think it would be necessary to extend the ceasefire. Karl wrote in his post, “President Trump told me today that he is not thinking about extending the ceasefire. He does not think it will be needed.”
‘Something amazing is going to happen in two days’
Trump expressed confidence about upcoming developments, saying, “I think you’re going to see something wonderful happen in the next two days. I really think so.” When asked whether the war would end through an agreement or by completely destroying Iran’s capabilities, Trump said both outcomes were possible, but said diplomacy was his first choice. According to American media, the US President said, “It could end either way, but I think a compromise is better, because then they can build their country again. Now there is really a different kind of government. Whatever happens, we have removed the radicals from there. They are no longer there, they are no longer with us.”
‘If I were not president, I would…’
Trump also made a big claim about his leadership and said, “If I had not been President, the world would have fallen into pieces.” Trump’s comment came when just a few hours ago he told the New York Post that more talks could take place between the US and Iran within the next two days. In a phone interview, Trump said that talks are already going on, but their pace is very slow. He also indicated that a second round of direct talks could perhaps take place somewhere in Europe to end the seven-week-long conflict. However, in another phone call about 30 minutes later, he hinted at a possible change in the venue of the talks and said Islamabad might be a more feasible location for the talks. Trump said, “Talks can happen in the next two days.”
Islamabad again a possible location?
Pointing towards Islamabad, Trump added, “You should stay put, really, because anything can happen in the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go that way.” Meanwhile, according to US media, citing sources familiar with the matter, Washington is currently considering a possible second round of talks with Iran. US Vice President JD Vance is likely to again lead the US delegation, and Islamabad is again emerging as a possible location. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who have led diplomatic talks since before the war began, are also expected to attend any possible second meeting, the sources said.
Trump has entrusted his three senior advisers with the responsibility of finding a diplomatic way to end the ongoing hostilities. Vance, Witkoff and Kushner have remained in contact with Iranian officials and mediators since the 21-hour round of discussions, as part of efforts to move closer to a potential agreement. However, officials are still deliberating on the details of the second round, and no final decision has been taken yet.
Also read: ‘Iran does not want war, but if someone forces it to surrender…’