Trump downplays Iran ceasefire talks, claims US victory

Trump downplays Iran ceasefire talks, asserting that America “wins” regardless of diplomatic outcomes, as Vice President JD Vance leads a U.S. delegation in Islamabad.

Trump downplays Iran ceasefire talks amid fragile truce

Saturday’s face‑to‑face talks, brokered by Pakistan, aim to solidify a two‑week ceasefire that halted a war killing ↓ 2,020 Lebanese civilians. The United States sent Vice President Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Iran’s team was headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.

The White House confirmed the talks are “direct” after separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Meanwhile, U.S. forces are clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that moves ↓ 20% of global oil.

“Let’s see what happens – maybe they make a deal, maybe they don’t. It doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win,” Trump told reporters outside the White House.

Iranian state media denied recent U.S. destroyer passages, insisting Tehran controls any vessel’s movement. Reuters notes that the strait has remained effectively closed to most tankers since February.

In Tel Aviv, anti‑war demonstrators gathered at Habima Square, demanding an end to Israel’s “eternal war.” The protest echoed growing fatigue as Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed ↓ 248 women and ↓ 85 health workers, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

U.S. officials say negotiations continue into the night, with senior White House staff monitoring “very deep” discussions. Trump, meanwhile, posted on social media that the U.S. is “clearing out” the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to the world, though he admitted he has “no idea” how the talks will end.

Words by Darius Flint (Tactical & Emergency Desk Reporter).