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State Department says negotiations toward a permanent political agreement take place June 2 and 3, while the Pentagon convenes military delegations from both countries on May 29 to coordinate discussions, address concerns and support efforts.

Day 77: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday said a coordinated foreign-based disinformation campaign was underway to undermine Islamabad&rsquo;s growing role in promoting regional peace and stability amid ongoing diplomatic efforts linked to the Middle East crisis.&nbsp;In a statement posted on X, Tarar said the campaign aimed to create &ldquo;deliberate confusion and misinformation&rdquo; through reports relying on unnamed sources and unverified claims. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2054893061726175703&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=539676142b597c47102baed8a89588b0c1d25072&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 321px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2054893061726175703"></iframe></div></div>&nbsp;&ldquo;This unprofessional intent to discredit Pakistan&rsquo;s role in sustainable peace in the region speaks of the frustration of those who are weary of peace,&rdquo; Tarar said.&nbsp;The statement came after a report published by CBS News on May 12 claimed Pakistan had &ldquo;quietly allowed Iranian military aircraft to park on its airfields,&rdquo; citing unnamed sources.&nbsp;Pakistan&rsquo;s Foreign Office later &ldquo;categorically&rdquo; rejected the report as &ldquo;misleading&rdquo; and &ldquo;sensationalized,&rdquo; saying such narratives appeared aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability.&nbsp;Tarar said facts presented by credible domestic media organizations and multiple fact-checking forums had already challenged the claims.&nbsp;&ldquo;Facts and verification by credible domestic media sources, as well as multiple fact-check forums, have already called out the propaganda,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The minister said certain elements were uncomfortable with Pakistan&rsquo;s role in promoting dialogue, supporting regional peace efforts and continuing its fight against &ldquo;foreign-sponsored and abetted terrorism.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;We understand quite clearly that behind such stories are certain elements,&rdquo; Tarar said, adding that the elimination of terrorism, peaceful resolution of disputes and regional stability did not suit those behind the campaign.&nbsp;Pakistan has recently intensified diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners while facilitating communication channels linked to ongoing US-Iran negotiations under a fragile ceasefire.&nbsp;&ldquo;The effort and role of Pakistani media and influencers in unmasking this malicious campaign are most commendable,&rdquo; Tarar said, adding that Islamabad would continue exposing coordinated misinformation efforts.

Foreign Affairs

Security

Pakistan Information and Broadcasting  Minister Attaullah Tarar on Thursday says that a coordinated negative information campaign is being observed , initiated from outside Pakistan, to discredit Pakistan’s role for sustainable peace in the region, said on his X.

‘Deliberate misinformation’ seeks to discredit Pakistan’s peace role: Minister

ISLAMABAD: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran has an opportunity to secure a nuclear deal if it abandons any pursuit of a nuclear weapon in a verifiable manner. Hegseth said Iran has a &ldquo;historic chance to make a serious deal&rdquo; and said the outcome depends on its decision regarding its nuclear program. He spoke at a Pentagon briefing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine. &ldquo;All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways,&rdquo; Hegseth said. Meanwhile, the General Caine said US operations tied to maritime security have been underway since April 8, the day a ceasefire was announced after 55 days of combat operations involving Iran. Caine said sea lanes remain open but warned that any attempt to deploy mines would violate ceasefire terms. He said US forces have intercepted vessels linked to sanctioned Iranian oil shipments in recent days. Several ships were seized and are being held by US authorities, he reported. The Pentagon chief said Iran must decide whether to move toward diplomacy or face continued pressure. He said US forces were prepared to respond to any actions that threaten shipping or regional security. Hegseth said US forces are authorized to act against Iranian fast boats if they threaten maritime movement or attempt to disrupt shipping. He stated the United States is not under pressure to reach a deal and will maintain its position while negotiations continue.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, hold a press briefing at the Pentagon on April 24, 2026. (Department of War/YouTube)

US says Iran has a chance for a nuclear deal if it abandons its weapons program, as officials warn that continued negotiations depend on Tehran’s decision.

Iran has chance to make deal, abandon nuclear pursuit: Pentagon chief

US president says he was asked by PM Sharif, Field Marshal Munir to hold the attack on Iran until their leaders, representatives can come up with a "unified proposal"; Information Minister Tarar says Pakistan is urging Iran to join talks as it awaits Tehran’s response.




Day 53: All you need to know about US-Israel war on Iran

ISLAMABAD: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday thanked Pakistan for playing an &quot;important role&quot; in facilitating direct talks between the United States and Iran. Speaking after a European Commission college meeting on the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/oil-surges-stocks-fall-as-trump-says-to-blockade-strait-of-hormuz" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">economic fallout</a> of the conflict, von der Leyen offered a public acknowledgment of Islamabad&#39;s diplomatic contribution. &quot;Allow me to say a word of gratitude to Pakistan for the important role they have played to get to this point,&quot; she said. The remarks came as von der Leyen outlined the severe financial cost of the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/usisrael-war-on-iran-day-45" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Middle East War</a> for the European Union: 22 billion euros ($25.76 billion) in additional fossil fuel import costs in just 44 days. She called for urgent structural reforms to reduce European dependence on Gulf energy. &quot;We also know that negotiations have been stalled now, and we have to see how things go on,&quot;&nbsp;von der Leyen said. The Islamabad Talks The <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-briefs-allies-on-islamabad-talks-urges-ceasefire-adherence" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Islamabad Talks</a> were 21-hour discussions between the United States and Iran that ended inconclusively on April 12, marking the two countries&#39; first direct, high-level meeting since 1979. Pakistan&#39;s role as host drew broad international acclaim. US Vice President Vance said Pakistan had done an &quot;amazing job&quot; bridging the gap and facilitating the historic session. Both delegations met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during the summit. The United Nations expressed &quot;sincere appreciation&quot; for Pakistan&#39;s role in managing the ceasefire and facilitating what it called the &quot;Islamabad Process.&quot;&nbsp; China hailed the talks as a &quot;window of opportunity&quot; for regional stability.&nbsp; British High Commissioner Jane Marriott credited Pakistan&#39;s &quot;quiet, effective&quot; role in securing the initial ceasefire, while Australian envoy Timothy Kane cited Islamabad&#39;s &quot;tireless efforts&quot; to bring both sides to the table. The European Union &quot;saluted&quot; Pakistan&#39;s leadership in creating a neutral ground for dialogue, and the chancellors of Germany, Italy, and Austria each called Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directly to offer congratulations.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/japanese-pm-appreciates-pakistans-role-in-usiran-ceasefire-talks" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi</a>&nbsp;held a telephonic meeting with Sharif to express Tokyo&#39;s gratitude for Pakistan&#39;s peace-making efforts. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper appreciated Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region during a telephone call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. A fragile two-week ceasefire remains in place but is set to expire around April 22. The United States has already announced contingency plans for a naval blockade of Iranian ports should the ceasefire collapse.

College meeting by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the impact of the situation in the Middle East on the European Union on April 13, 2026. (European Commission)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Pakistan for facilitating talks between the United States and Iran, marking their first direct, high-level engagement since 1979

EC president thanks Pakistan for facilitating US-Iran talks

PARIS: France and Britain will co-host a summit this week to discuss a &quot;coordinated, independent, multinational plan&quot; to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, UK Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/not-our-war-uk-pm-says-will-not-be-drawn-into-mideast-conflict" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keir Starmer</a>&nbsp;said Monday. Britain had convened &quot;more than 40 nations who share our aim to restore freedom of navigation&quot; and the summit will discuss ways to protect shipping &quot;when the <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/usisrael-war-on-iran-day-45" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">conflict ends,</a>&quot; Starmer said. Britain and France will work on a &quot;peaceful multinational mission&quot; that would be &quot;separate from the warring parties,&quot; French President Emmanuel Macron said earlier Monday. US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February sparked a region-wide war and brought traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to a near standstill, blocking a key route for global oil and gas shipments. Iran and the United States last week agreed to a two-week cessation of hostilities, including meeting directly for <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-briefs-allies-on-islamabad-talks-urges-ceasefire-adherence" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">talks in Pakistan</a> on the weekend. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump ordered his navy to carry out a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday. Trump also said, on his Truth Social platform, that &quot;Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade&quot; but did not specify which ones. The UK-French initiative, which Macron and Starmer announced on X, appeared to be separate from Trump&#39;s announced blockade. On April 2, a UK-led diplomatic meeting of some 40 countries demanded &quot;the immediate and unconditional reopening&quot; of the vital shipping route. Macron said the conference would involve &quot;countries prepared to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait&quot;. &quot;This strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit,&quot; he said. The US military said the blockade of the Strait ordered by Trump would begin at 1400 GMT, and apply to all ships leaving or seeking to dock at Iranian ports on either side of the key waterway. Starmer said Monday that Britain will not join the naval blockade announced by Trump.

Image caption: In this satellite image provided by NASA, the Strait of Hormuz is shown between the rugged southern coast of Iran, top, and the Musandam Peninsula of Oman, center. This narrow waterway serves as the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to

France and Britain will host a summit on securing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting will discuss a multinational plan to protect navigation amid rising regional tensions.

France, UK to host summit on Hormuz this week

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong commended Islamabad&#39;s role in facilitating&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/islamabad-talks-process-continues-heres-how" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">direct talks</a>&nbsp;between the United States and Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported Monday. According to an official statement on X (Twitter) by the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the Chinese ambassador. <div class="fr-embed"><div><div> </div><div style="margin-top: 12px; padding: 12px; background-color: light-dark(rgb(248, 248, 248), rgb(42, 42, 46)); border-radius: 4px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; color: light-dark(rgb(43, 42, 51), rgb(251, 251, 254)); font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: 600; color: light-dark(rgb(91, 91, 102), rgb(191, 191, 201)); margin-bottom: 8px;">Content from blocked embed:</div><div>Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar <a href="https://twitter.com/MIshaqDar50?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: light-dark(rgb(0, 97, 224), rgb(0, 221, 255)); text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">@MIshaqDar50</a> received today Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong. Discussions centered on recent developments following the Islamabad talks. DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s continued resolve to support&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/5JFeuHnmF2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: light-dark(rgb(0, 97, 224), rgb(0, 221, 255)); text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">pic.twitter.com/5JFeuHnmF2</a>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2043651117960306924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: light-dark(rgb(0, 97, 224), rgb(0, 221, 255)); text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">April 13, 2026</a></div></div></div></div> Discussions centered on recent developments in the aftermath of the Islamabad Talks. The deputy prime minister said Pakistan remains committed to supporting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve international conflicts. Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador praised Pakistan&#39;s important contribution to bringing Washington and Tehran to the table for direct engagement. Both sides also talked about the importance of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-minister-reaffirms-commitment-to-making-gwadar-global-trade-hub" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan-China</a>&nbsp;strategic partnership in maintaining regional stability. Pakistan, China advance Five-Point Peace Plan&nbsp; Meanwhile,&nbsp;Pakistan and China also&nbsp;discussed the Pakistan&ndash;China Five-Point Peace Initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two leaders exchanged views on the recently concluded Islamabad Talks. The Five-Point Peace Initiative, agreed in Beijing on March 31 between Pakistan and China, calls for stopping the fighting right away and starting peace talks soon. It supports respect for countries&rsquo; borders and security, protection of civilians, and avoiding attacks on infrastructure and nuclear facilities.&nbsp; It also calls for safe sea routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and safe movement of ships. It urges following the United Nations Charter and working toward peace through international cooperation and law. The Chinese FM praised Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He said China supports Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic role in bring the US and Iran to the negotiating table.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Dar said Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means to restore peace. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Monday, April 13, 2026. (MOFA/X)

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with China’s ambassador to discuss recent diplomatic developments, including Pakistan’s role in brokering direct US-Iran talks and the continued strength of Pakistan-China relations.


China commends Pakistan’s role in facilitating direct talks between US, Iran

WASHINGTON: Iran agreed in talks with the United States never to stockpile enriched uranium, mediator Oman&#39;s top diplomat said Friday, in what he called a breakthrough that he hoped would prevent war.&nbsp;Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, whose country brokered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/iran-urges-us-to-drop-excessive-demands-to-reach-deal" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">talks between the United States and Iran</a>&nbsp;in Geneva on Thursday, said he believed all issues in a deal could be resolved &quot;amicably and comprehensively&quot; within three months.&nbsp;&quot;If the ultimate objective is to ensure forever that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, I think we have cracked that problem through these negotiations by agreeing on a very important breakthrough that has never been achieved any time before,&quot; Albusaidi told the CBS News program &quot;Face the Nation.&quot;&nbsp;&quot;I think if we can capture that and build on it, I think a deal is within our reach,&quot; he said.&nbsp;The minister added that Iran would not be able to stockpile enriched uranium and that there would be verification.&nbsp;He said Iran would also degrade its current stockpiles to &quot;the lowest level possible&quot; so that it is &quot;converted into fuel, and that fuel will be irreversible.&quot;&nbsp;&quot;This is something completely new. It really makes the enrichment argument less relevant, because now we are talking about zero stockpiling,&quot; said Albusaidi, who met earlier Friday with US Vice President JD Vance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/trump-not-thrilled-with-iran-but-undecided-on-attack" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">President Donald Trump&#39;s administration</a>&nbsp;accuses Tehran of intending to build a nuclear weapon. But &quot;if you cannot stockpile material that is enriched, then there is no way you can actually create a bomb,&quot; Albusaidi told CBS.&nbsp;In a 2015 agreement negotiated by former president Barack Obama, Iran agreed to keep enrichment only to a low level that is well below weapons grade.&nbsp;Trump ripped up the deal in his first term and imposed sanctions, and in recent weeks has deployed the US military in the region to levels not seen in years.&nbsp;Secretary of State Marco Rubio has insisted that any deal cover not just the nuclear program but also Iran&#39;s missiles.&nbsp;Asked about the missile issue, Albusaidi said: &quot;I believe Iran is open to discussing everything.&quot;

A handout picture provided by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on February 26, 2026, shows Iranian diplomats and a delegation during the Iran-US talks in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo: AFP/File)

Its foreign minister says talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva on Thursday, said he believed all issues in a deal could be resolved 'amicably and comprehensively' within three months.


Iran agreed not to stockpile enriched uranium: mediator Oman

PARIS: Iran&#39;s foreign minister announced Tuesday that a deal to prevent a military conflict with the United States is within reach, just two days before <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/iranian-president-says-recent-talks-with-us-show-encouraging-signals" target="_blank">talks</a>&nbsp;between the rivals are set to resume in Geneva. Abbas Araghchi&#39;s appeal came as Iran issued a muted warning to student protesters against the backdrop of mounting US threats of action to halt Tehran&#39;s nuclear program. &quot;We have a historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns and achieves mutual interests,&quot; Araghchi said in a social media post. The minister added that a deal was &quot;within reach, but only if diplomacy is given priority.&quot; Tehran and Washington are due to hold a third round of negotiations on Thursday in Geneva, the latest since talks resumed earlier this month. The talks will be held following a heavy US military deployment in the region in <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/trump-denies-top-us-officer-warned-of-iran-strike-risks" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">recent weeks</a> and threats by President Donald Trump of a strike on Iran if no deal is reached. Iran has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/iran-says-would-respond-ferociously-to-any-us-attack-even-limited-strikes" target="_blank">repeatedly</a>&nbsp;said it would respond firmly to any attack, and on Monday, the foreign ministry warned that any strike, even a limited one, &quot;would be regarded as an act of aggression.&quot; In his post on Tuesday, Araghchi vowed Iran will &quot;under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon,&quot; but insisted on the country&#39;s right to &quot;harness dividends of peaceful nuclear technology.&quot; &quot;We have proven that we will stop at nothing to guard our sovereignty with courage,&quot; he added. Iran and the US held five rounds of nuclear talks last year, but those negotiations were brought to an end with Israel&#39;s unprecedented attack on Iran, which triggered a 12-day war. &#39;Red lines&#39; protest warning&nbsp;Meanwhile, university students in Tehran kicked off a new semester with gatherings that revived slogans from nationwide protests against the country&#39;s leadership. On Tuesday, the fourth consecutive day of the campus protests, videos verified by AFP showed two groups facing off in a large hall at a Tehran university before scuffles broke out. Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani, giving the first official reaction to the rallies, said that while students had a right to protest, they must &quot;understand the red lines.&quot; US military build-up&nbsp;The initial wave of protests began in December, sparked by economic woes in the sanctions-hit country, but soon grew into nationwide demonstrations that crested on Jan. 8 and 9, posing one of the biggest challenges to Iran&#39;s leaders in years. The unrest prompted a government crackdown that resulted in the death of several people. Iranian officials acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but say the violence was caused by &quot;terrorist acts&quot; fueled by the United States and Israel. The crackdown in January prompted Trump to threaten to intervene militarily on the protesters&#39; behalf, though the focus of his threats soon shifted to Iran&#39;s nuclear program, which the West believes is aimed at building an atomic bomb but Tehran insists is peaceful. Since then, the US has carried out a massive military build-up in the Middle East aimed at pressuring Tehran into cutting a deal, even as the two sides pursue indirect negotiations. Washington deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Arabian Sea, and another, the USS Gerald R. Ford, has arrived at a US base in Crete en route to the region.

Foreign Minister Araghchi says have a “historic opportunity to strike an unprecedented agreement that addresses mutual concerns”; Tehran and Washington are due to hold a third round of negotiations on Thursday in Geneva, the latest since talks resumed earlier this month.

Iran says deal 'within reach' ahead of US talks

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Monday denied reports that the top US military officer had flagged the risks of a major operation against Iran, saying Washington would &quot;easily&quot; beat Tehran in any war. US media reported that General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had warned of various risks associated with strikes against Iran, including a long-term entanglement. But Trump said on his Truth Social network that it was &quot;100% incorrect&quot; that Caine was &quot;against us going to war with Iran.&quot; &quot;General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War but, if a decision is made on going against Iran at a Military level, it is his opinion that it will be something easily won,&quot; Trump wrote. &quot;He has not spoken of not doing Iran, or even the fake limited strikes that I have been reading about; he only knows one thing, how to WIN, and, if he is told to do so, he will be leading the pack.&quot; The Washington Post said Caine had expressed concern at the White House and Pentagon that munition shortages and a lack of allied support could increase danger to US personnel. And the Wall Street Journal said both the top general and other Pentagon officials have warned of risks such as US and allied casualties as well as the danger of US air defenses being depleted if its forces strike Iran. The Axios news outlet meanwhile, said Caine had warned of the United States &quot;becoming entangled in a prolonged conflict.&quot; Trump&#39;s roving negotiator Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner had also been urging the president to hold off attacks and give diplomacy a chance, Axios said. The US president, however, accused the media outlets of writing &quot;incorrectly, and purposefully so.&quot; &quot;I am the one that makes the decision, I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we don&rsquo;t make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country and, very sadly, its people,&quot; Trump added. Trump, who ordered strikes on Iran&#39;s nuclear facilities last year, has repeatedly threatened Tehran with further military action if ongoing talks do not reach a replacement for the nuclear deal the US president tore up in 2018, during his first term in office. Washington has deployed a massive military force to the Middle East, sending two aircraft carriers as well as more than a dozen other ships, a large number of warplanes and other assets to the region. But negotiations are still set to continue, with a US official saying the next round of talks with Tehran would take place on Thursday.

US president says "100% incorrect" that Caine was "against us going to war with Iran"; Washington has deployed a massive military force to the Middle East, sending two aircraft carriers as well as more than a dozen other ships, a large number of warplanes, and other assets to the region.

Articles tagged with "US Iran talks"