By The Opinion
Donald Trump announced this Sunday a second round of negotiations with Iran to be held in Islamabad, Pakistanin the midst of an escalation of tensions and new military threats against Tehran.
Through its Social Reality network, The president reported that his envoys will travel to the Pakistani capital to continue the dialogue. “My representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan. They will be there tomorrow night to negotiate,” he said, after accusing Iran of violating the current ceasefire.
Trump denounced that Tehran had attacked in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil transits, describing the event as “a total violation of our ceasefire agreement!”
The US president toughened his rhetoric by warning that if Iran does not accept the agreement proposed by Washington, his country will retaliate severely. “The United States is going to destroy every power plant and every bridge in Iran. “No more being the good guy!” he said.
Furthermore, the White House confirmed that Vice President JD Vance will participate in this second round of talksafter having led a first meeting last week that concluded without substantial progress.
Vance will travel accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had already led previous contacts with Iranian authorities before the outbreak of the staunch conflict.
Negotiations will take place again in Islamabad, where local authorities have implemented strict security measuresincluding the closure of main roads, suspension of public transport and evacuation of luxury hotels due to the sensitivity of the meeting.
Fragile truce and international pressure
The new round of dialogue originates a few days before the technical ceasefire between Washington and Tehran expires, scheduled for April 22. This cessation of hostilities has been conditional, among other factors, on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, whose blockade by Iran has had repercussions on global energy markets.
Tehran disrupted maritime transit in response to attacks by the United States and Israel, causing increased oil price volatility and concern in the global economy. For its part, Washington responded with a naval blockade of the Iranian coast.
Despite the confrontational tone, Trump assured that the talks have been “positive” and affirmed that Iran has already accepted “much” of the proposed agreement, although he did not offer specific details.
However, he warned that he might not extend the truce if an agreement is not reached in the coming hours, which opens the possibility of a resumption of bombings and a further deterioration of the situation in the region.
Keep reading:
- Why the Strait of Hormuz is strategic and how Iran has used it as a pressure tool
- What is happening with the agreement reached by the US and Iran for a ceasefire
