‘They're Only Alive To Negotiate’: Trump Warns Iran Ahead Of Peace Talks In Islamabad

Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 01:19 IST

Earlier on Friday, the US President told The New York Post that American warships were "being loaded with the best ammunition in case talks in Pakistan failed."

US President Donald Trump on Friday issued a stark warning to Iran ahead of scheduled peace talks in Islamabad, saying the only reason Tehran is alive is to negotiate.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President said that Tehran has “no cards" to play apart from its control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump also accused Iran of attempting “short-term extortion" by leveraging international waterways.

“The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!" he said.

In another post, the Republican leader criticised Iran’s communication strategy, saying the country was “better at handling the fake news media and public relations than fighting."

His remarks came amid renewed global focus on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. Iranian officials have recently floated proposals to impose transit fees on vessels passing through the waterway.

Earlier on Friday, the US President told The New York Post that American warships were “being loaded with the best ammunition in case talks in Pakistan failed."

“We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon," Trump told the news outlet in a phone interview.

Trump warned of strong action if ongoing efforts fail to produce an agreement, signalling a hard line ahead of expected talks.

“And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively."

The stage is set as Pakistan prepares to host delegations from the United States and Iran for negotiations over the ongoing war in West Asia. As per the talks schedule, arrivals of delegations are set to begin late Friday night and continue into Saturday.

The White House has said that US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation to Islamabad “this weekend" for the talks. Along with Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner will be part of the delegation. Senior officials from the White House and the Pentagon will also be part of the negotiation team.

The Iranian side will be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Amiri Moghadam, along with other officials, will also be part of the delegation.

News world ‘They're Only Alive To Negotiate’: Trump Warns Iran Ahead Of Peace Talks In Islamabad

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