Reuters: Trump may join signing if US-Iran deal reached

Peace talks between the United States and Iran are expected to resume in Pakistan as a fragile ceasefire nears its end, with Washington expressing optimism while Tehran remains cautious. Amid rising regional tensions, reports suggest that even US President Donald Trump could play a direct role in a potential agreement. 

The United States has expressed confidence that peace talks with Iran will proceed in Pakistan, with a senior Iranian official indicating that Tehran is “positively reviewing” participation. 

The two-week truce, which began after hostilities escalated on February 28, is set to expire between April 21-22, though officials have given conflicting timelines. A Pakistani source involved in the discussions told Reuters there is momentum for talks to resume on April 22, with US Vice President JD Vance expected in Islamabad.

The same source said that US President Donald Trump “might attend, either in ⁠person or virtually, if a deal were to be signed.”

Iran has conditioned its participation on recognition of its right to enrich uranium. A senior Iranian official said Tehran is waiting to see whether its demands will be met, while warning that the country would not negotiate under pressure. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, wrote on social media that “any nation with a great civilisation would not negotiate under threat or force.”

Oil prices eased by around $0.50 on expectations of renewed diplomacy, while Asian stocks recovered after April 20 gains in crude markets driven by uncertainty over the talks.

Tensions remain high. Iran’s military warned it was ready for an “immediate and decisive response” to renewed hostilities, while Tehran accused Washington of attempting to “turn the negotiating table into a table of submission.”

The US insists Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons and is demanding limits on uranium enrichment. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said a deal was close, “thanks to the success of the military operation and his hardline negotiating style,” adding that Trump “still has a number of options at his disposal that he's unafraid to use.”

Pakistan has deployed nearly 20,000 security personnel ahead of the potential talks, as diplomatic efforts continue amid deep mistrust and escalating regional tensions.

By Vafa Guliyeva