Trump links potential Pakistan visit to Iran deal, signals progress in high-stakes talks

Donald Trump has indicated that a possible visit to Pakistan hinges on the outcome of ongoing negotiations with Iran, while expressing optimism about a breakthrough in efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Speaking to reporters, the US president said he would “definitely” visit Islamabad if a deal is reached with Iran, acknowledging Pakistan’s “positive and constructive” role in facilitating the diplomatic process.

He also praised Pakistan’s leadership, referring to both the prime minister and the field marshal as “great leaders.”

Trump emphasised that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a central objective of the negotiations.

“Very important is that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon, and they’ve agreed to that… very powerfully,” he said, adding that Tehran has shown willingness to take steps it had previously resisted.

Trump said that Iran has agreed to hand over its store of enriched uranium.

"They've agreed to give us back the nuclear dust," Trump told reporters at the White House, using his name for the enriched uranium stockpile that the United States says could be used to build nuclear weapons.

"There's a very good chance we're going to make a deal."

Referring to last year’s US military strikes, Trump claimed that Iranian nuclear infrastructure had been significantly degraded, including facilities targeted by B-2 bombers. He also pointed to a naval blockade of Iranian ports, describing it as “very strong” and, at times, more impactful than direct military action.

The US president suggested that progress in talks has been substantial, stating that Washington and Tehran have reached agreement on multiple points.

“We’re very close to a deal with Iran… something very positive is going to happen,” he said, adding that a final agreement could be reached by the end of the week.

However, Trump warned that failure to secure a deal could lead to renewed conflict. “If there’s no deal, fighting resumes,” he said, underlining the high stakes surrounding the negotiations.

On the diplomatic front, Trump noted that further in-person talks with Iran could take place “maybe over the weekend,” signalling continued momentum in backchannel and formal discussions.

The US president also touched on broader regional dynamics, expressing confidence in a developing ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

He said both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanon’s leadership had agreed to a 10-day truce that would include Hezbollah, with prospects for direct talks between the two sides for the first time in decades.

Trump claimed that multiple conflicts had been brought closer to resolution under his administration and described the current developments as part of a wider push for stability in the Middle East.

He reiterated that Iran’s leadership appears more pragmatic than before and is now open to concessions, including abandoning nuclear weapons development. “Iran wants to make a deal, and we’re dealing very nicely with them,” he said.

Despite tensions with the Vatican over US military actions in Iran, Trump downplayed the need for a meeting with Pope Leo XIV, saying he does not consider it necessary at this stage.

Trump stressed that global attention remains fixed on Iran, warning that allowing Tehran to develop nuclear weapons would pose a serious threat to international security.