US President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential surprise tomorrow in ongoing Iran talks but he declined to elaborate. “We had some pretty good news, but it seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Iran,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One late Friday.
“You’ll hear about. I just think it’s something that should happen. It’s something that only makes sense to happen. And I think it will. We’ll see what happens, but I think it will,” the US President said when asked to elaborate it.
Trump said a final agreement between the United States and Iran could be reached “in the next day or two", as reports suggested that the new round of US-Iran talks could take place in Islamabad on April 20.
At the same time, Trump announced that a self-described “genius person” will be visiting the White House tomorrow, fuelling speculation about the nature of the discussions and who might be involved.
Trump said a news conference will also be held at the White House.
Trump also showered praises on Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in the peace talks with Iran. “I want to thank Pakistan,” he said.
Trump said he planned to maintain a US blockade of Iranian ports if a peace deal with Tehran is not reached, adding he may not extend the ceasefire after its expiration.
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday in the wake of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon, though Tehran threatened to close the vital waterway once again if the US blockade continues.
A ceasefire between Tehran and Washington is due to expire on Wednesday.
"Maybe I won't extend it, but the blockade is going to remain," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, when asked if the ceasefire will be extended.
Asked about a potential deal, Trump said, "I think it's going to happen."
Key differences remain between the demands from the United States and Iran, which earlier failed to reach agreement in talks in Pakistan.
Trump told reporters there were "not going to be tolls" imposed by Iran on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz -- something that the Islamic republic put forward during previous peace deal plans.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said China's President Xi Jinping was "very happy" about the global oil chokepoint reopening. "Our meeting in China will be a special one and, potentially, Historic," Trump added, referring to a summit planned in Beijing in May.
Trump also insisted that Washington and Tehran would jointly transfer enriched uranium stored in Iran to the United States under the touted plan to end the war, which began on February 28.
Iran's foreign ministry earlier said its stockpile of uranium would not be transferred "anywhere."
In an interview, Trump said a final agreement between the United States and Iran could be reached “in the next day or two", as reports suggested that the new round of US-Iran talks could take place in Islamabad on April 20.
President Trump said both sides are likely to meet over the weekend and finalise a deal to end the ongoing war.
Trump said the Iranians are willing to engage and are keen to reach an agreement. “The Iranians want to meet. They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend," he said.
Trump indicated that negotiations with Iran are nearing a breakthrough. Speaking to AFP, he said there were “no sticking points” left and that a deal was “very close.”
“We’re very close. Looks like it’s going to be very good for everybody. And we’re very close to having a deal,” Trump said during a brief phone call from Las Vegas.
He also expressed confidence about the situation in the region, adding, “The strait’s going to be open, they already are open. And things are going very well.”
Earlier, speaking at an event in Arizona, Trump announced plans to retrieve nuclear materials from Iran, emphasizing that the United States will secure the country’s nuclear stockpile.
Trump reaffirmed that Iran will never possess nuclear weapons and that no financial exchange will take place under the deal with Iran.
The president also expressed gratitude toward Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim, describing them as “strong figures” who provided significant assistance. “I am very thankful to both Pakistani leaders,” he said.
In addition, Trump thanked Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, praising their support and calling the countries “remarkable” with “great courage.”
Regarding NATO, Trump claimed the alliance had sought US assistance, but he insisted that help was needed two months earlier. “We do not need NATO’s help now, in fact, we never really needed it — NATO needs us,” he said.
One major proposal under discussion involves the US releasing around $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds. In return, Iran would give up its stockpile of enriched uranium. However, Trump later said that “no money will change hands", without directly referring to this proposal.
Talks in Islamabad again
Negotiators are expected to meet in Islamabad, likely on Monday, April 20, as part of the next round of discussions. Pakistan once again is mediating the talks, with support from Egypt and Turkey. The talks aim to bridge the remaining gaps and move towards a final agreement.
A major concern for the US is Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, including nearly 2,000 kilograms stored in underground facilities. About 450 kilograms of this is enriched to 60% purity. The US has asked Iran to transfer all its nuclear material out of the country. Iran, however, has proposed reducing the enrichment level within its own territory.
A compromise being discussed includes sending some of the material to a third country, while reducing the rest under international monitoring.
Another point of disagreement is the duration of a pause on uranium enrichment. The US has pushed for a 20-year suspension, while Iran has offered a five-year limit. Negotiators are still working to close this gap.
The draft plan also includes a voluntary pause on enrichment and allows Iran to operate nuclear research reactors for medical purposes. It also proposes that all nuclear facilities should be above ground, with underground sites remaining unused.
Strait of Hormuz and blockade
The Strait of Hormuz is also part of the discussions, though differences remain. Iran has said it will keep the route open during the ceasefire, which is set to end on April 21.
Trump has made it clear that the US naval blockade will continue until a deal is finalised, while stressing that the strait should remain open for global shipping.
Trump said the agreement would ensure security for Israel and added that Israel would “come out great" from the war. He also called for Israeli strikes on Lebanon to stop as part of the ceasefire.
Earlier rounds of talks between the US and Iran, held in Pakistan last weekend, ended without a final agreement. However, Trump suggested that another round of discussions could take place soon.–Agencies