US President Donald Trump has described Iran’s current leadership as “very reasonable” as Pakistan moves to host talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Trump revealed that Washington and Tehran have been engaging “directly and indirectly”, expressing cautious optimism about a possible agreement.
“I think we’ll make a deal with them, I’m pretty sure, but it’s possible we won’t,” Trump told reporters on Sunday evening as he travelled aboard Air Force One to Washington.
He also claimed the US had effectively achieved regime change following strikes that killed Iran’s top leadership, but noted their successors appeared open to engagement.
Trump said the new leaders were “very reasonable.”
Pakistan, acting as an intermediary, confirmed preparations to host negotiations between both sides in Islamabad.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, “Pakistan will be honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks between the two sides in coming days, for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict.”
However, it remains unclear whether the US and Iran have agreed to participate.
Iran signalled defiance despite the diplomatic push. Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Washington of duplicity, warning Tehran would resist any aggression.
“As long as the Americans seek Iran’s surrender, our response is that we will never accept humiliation,” he said.
The conflict has intensified across the Middle East, with Israel continuing sustained air strikes and Iran launching retaliatory attacks. Israeli forces said they carried out over 140 air strikes within 24 hours, targeting missile infrastructure.
Iranian media reported strikes on key facilities, including Mehrabad airport and a petrochemical plant in Tabriz, while Israel confirmed damage to a chemical site near Beersheba following incoming missiles.
The US has also expanded its military presence, deploying thousands of troops and special operations personnel to the region, raising concerns over a potential ground offensive.
Meanwhile, the economic fallout is deepening. Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, has driven oil prices sharply higher and unsettled financial markets, with Asian stocks sliding and Brent crude heading towards record monthly gains.
The conflict widened further after Yemen’s Houthi forces launched attacks on Israel, threatening another major shipping route and escalating fears of a broader regional war.
Despite the rising tensions, Trump indicated interest in securing strategic leverage over Iran’s oil exports, stating he wanted to “take the oil in Iran”, including the key export hub of Kharg Island.
With global markets rattled and casualties mounting, diplomatic efforts in Pakistan may prove pivotal in determining whether the crisis moves towards resolution or deeper escalation.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
