ISLAMABAD: United States (US) President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his representatives are going to the Pakistani capital of Islamabad for Iran negotiations, after Tehran reasserted control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran, which had earlier announced it would allow shipping to pass through Hormuz, on Saturday reversed course and accused Washington of violating a two-week ceasefire agreement, reached on April 8, by blockading Iranian ports.
After two Indian-registered ships reported being attacked on Saturday while trying to pass through the strait, shipping data showed traffic through the narrow waterway had come to a stop early on Sunday.
Trump said on Sunday his representatives will be in Islamabad tomorrow evening for negotiations, criticizing Tehran for a "total violation" of the ceasefire agreement by firing bullets on vessels.
"We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran," Trump said on Truth Social.
The US this week imposed a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after high-stakes talks between US and Iran officials in Islamabad on April 11 ended without an agreement to end their war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
In Islamabad, preparations appeared to be underway for a resumption of talks, ahead of the expected end to the ceasefire on Wednesday.
Rolls of barbed wire could be seen near the Serena Hotel where the first round of negotiations was held. The hotel told guests on Sunday they would need to leave due to a government event, a hotel representative said, adding that no reservations were being taken until further notice.
In central Islamabad, there was a heavy police and army presence but the security protocols did not appear to be at the same level as they were before the first round, when Vice President JD Vance led the US delegation.
A Pakistani foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that the country is maintaining communication channels between the US and Iran as part of its efforts to facilitate dialogue, adding that no dates have been finalized for the next round of talks between the two sides, and consultations are ongoing for a mutually agreed schedule.
