In an interview with the New York Post on Tuesday, Donald Trump indicated that new discussions between the United States and Iran could take place “in the next two days,” according to the New York daily. He now mentions Islamabad as a preferred option for hosting these exchanges.
In a previous phone conversation, the American president had described ongoing discussions as progressing “slowly,” while mentioning the possibility of a second round of negotiations in Europe. However, a few minutes later, he corrected this direction and emphasized the Pakistani capital.
“You should really stay tuned, because something could happen in the next two days, and we are more inclined to go there,” he said about Islamabad, before adding, “It’s more likely, you know why? Because the marshal is doing an excellent job.” He was referring to Pakistani Marshal Asim Munir, chief of the Pakistan army, whom he credits with a crucial role in a previous agreement between Pakistan and India.
President Trump stands by this choice, citing this relationship: “He is great, so it is more likely that we will return. Why would we go to a country that has nothing to do with this?” He also stated, “I just think he’s a very good person, this marshal. You know, he ended the war with India, he saved 30 million people.”
Trump will not travel for the negotiations, and he did not specify who would represent the United States. He also criticized the suggestions made during the recent exchanges with Iran.
Regarding the issue of the Iranian nuclear program, he rejected the idea of a temporary moratorium on uranium enrichment, saying, “I have been saying from the beginning that they cannot have nuclear weapons.” He also rejected any solution that would allow Tehran to claim a political victory, stating, “I don’t want them to feel like they have achieved a victory.”
