Trump dispatches top US delegation to Pakistan as ceasefire clock ticks

US President Donald Trump has said a senior American delegation is en route to Islamabad for fresh talks with Iran, even as Tehran signalled reluctance to participate, casting uncertainty over last-ditch diplomatic efforts ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline.

Trump said this to the New York Post.

According to Trump, Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Pakistan later on Monday to push forward negotiations. However, the White House has not officially confirmed the delegation’s composition or travel plans.

The move comes at a critical juncture, with the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran set to expire Tuesday night in the US. Trump has warned that failure to reach a deal could trigger a sharp escalation, including potential strikes on Iran’s infrastructure.

Despite Washington’s push, Iran has so far not committed to joining the next round of talks. Officials in Tehran have indicated there are “no plans” for negotiations under current conditions, particularly citing the ongoing US naval blockade as a key sticking point.

In an interaction with PBS News, Trump struck an uncertain tone on Iran’s participation. When asked if Tehran would attend the Islamabad talks, he said: “Don’t know. I mean, they’re supposed to be there. We agreed to be there, although they say we didn’t. But no, it was set up. And we’ll see whether or not it’s there. If they’re not there, that’s fine too.”

The diplomatic uncertainty underscores widening gaps between both sides, with the Strait of Hormuz tensions and ceasefire violations further complicating the path to a resolution. While Pakistan continues to position itself as a mediator, the outcome of the proposed talks remains unclear.

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Trump, meanwhile, struck an optimistic tone on the potential outcome, suggesting that Iran could see a “great and prosperous future” if it agrees to US terms, even hinting at regime change as part of a broader reset in relations. At the same time, he reiterated his long-standing stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, dismissing criticism and media narratives around the conflict.