WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said a second round of direct talks with Iran could take place “over the next two days, ” signalling a possible diplomatic opening even as the United States presses ahead with a naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked shipping.
In an interview with The New York Post, Trump said negotiations could happen soon and pointed to Pakistan as a possible venue. “Something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there, ” he said, referring to Islamabad.
The comments came after an earlier round of talks failed to yield a breakthrough. Trump suggested initial plans had pointed to Europe before shifting towards Pakistan.
The diplomatic push comes alongside heightened tensions in the Gulf. US Central Command said that no ships from Iranian ports passed through its blockade in the first 24 hours. Six merchant vessels complied with US instructions and turned back towards Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.
Shipping data showed a more mixed picture. Several Iran-linked vessels were tracked moving through the Strait of Hormuz after the blockade began, though some appeared to stop or change course after entering open waters.