Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 13: Donald Trump on Monday said he is unconcerned about whether Iran returns to negotiations with the United States after ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

“I don’t care if they come back or not. If they don’t come back, I am fine,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after returning from Florida.

He further claimed that during the weekend talks in Islamabad, led by JD Vance, Iran had indicated its intent to pursue a nuclear weapon.

“They still want it, and they made that clear the other night. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump asserted.

Even while negotiations were underway, Trump had earlier said it would make “no difference” whether a deal was reached with Tehran. “Regardless of what happens, we win. Maybe they make a deal, maybe they don’t — it doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win,” he had said.

The United States and Iran concluded nearly 21 hours of face-to-face discussions in Islamabad without a breakthrough, leaving the fragile two-week ceasefire uncertain.

Speaking after the talks, Vance stressed that Washington is seeking a clear assurance from Iran on its nuclear ambitions.

“The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon,” he said.

The US delegation led by Vance held discussions with the Iranian side headed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, focusing on ways to sustain the ceasefire amid deep differences and continued Israeli strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran’s president, meanwhile, said Tehran remains open to a “balanced and fair” agreement.

The collapse of talks has dimmed hopes of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise global energy markets, while uncertainty persists over whether the US may resume its military offensive against Iran.