Now coming towards political developments, speaking to the American newspaper New York Post, Donald Trump said that negotiations with Iran could restart in Pakistan within the next two days. Pakistan has once again come into focus on the map. It was never really out, as it had already started playing a mediating role, but now Islamabad is again being mentioned. According to the New York Post, for the first time Donald Trump has indicated that the next round of negotiations could take place in Islamabad.
Initially, Trump told a female reporter to return, but after some time, he called her again and told her to stay. The reporter said that Trump called her again after 37 minutes and told her to remain there, indicating that media coverage might be needed because something could happen soon. This suggests that Islamabad is being considered for the second round of talks.
Trump said that there is a strong possibility that they will go there. He questioned why they should go to a country that has no connection with the matter. He praised Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir, saying he is doing a very good job and is a very capable leader. He also referred to Pakistan’s role in stopping a previous conflict between Pakistan and India, saying millions of lives were saved.
Trump did not clarify who would represent the United States in the next round of talks but confirmed that he himself would not attend. He also rejected any idea of showing softness towards Iran. When asked about a proposal for Iran to stop uranium enrichment for 20 years, he expressed displeasure and said that Iran should not have nuclear weapons at all and he does not want Iran to feel that it has won either the war or the negotiations.
According to the New York Post, a retired Pakistani lieutenant general involved in the arrangements of the talks said that Iran has shown flexibility on the uranium issue, which has been a major obstacle in diplomacy for a long time. However, this flexibility comes with a condition that Iran must be able to present something to its people that does not look like surrender.
Both sides need to gain something. It is not possible that one side completely wins and the other completely loses. There must be some point that each side can present as an achievement. For example, Iran might want its frozen funds released so it can show its people that it achieved something. Similarly, Iran will also have to give something to the United States. Only then can a breakthrough happen. Otherwise, it seems difficult even after the second round.
As far as oil prices are concerned, after Trump mentioned Islamabad, oil prices started falling again. Earlier they had crossed 100 dollars, but now they are gradually decreasing.
Iranian officials had earlier stated that if there is a second round of talks, Pakistan is their preferred location. Being a neighboring and Muslim country, and given Pakistan’s role, Iran feels more comfortable. Iran believes Pakistan can communicate effectively with both sides and help secure concessions.
There were some analysts earlier questioning why Iran would trust Pakistan, but now if both countries are again considering coming to Pakistan, it clearly shows there is something significant. If you go to a restaurant and like the food, you return again. Similarly, if both sides are returning to Pakistan, it indicates satisfaction with the environment.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson said that the ceasefire between Iran and the United States should continue and regional issues like the Strait of Hormuz should be resolved regionally. French President Emmanuel Macron has started contacting global leaders, including Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging the resumption of talks and emphasizing that negotiations are the solution.
China’s President Xi Jinping presented a four-point proposal to reduce tensions and promote lasting peace, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and international law.
The US Central Command stated that more than 10,000 personnel, along with warships and aircraft, are enforcing a naval blockade around Iranian ports. They claimed no ships crossed the blockade in the first 24 hours. However, reports from BBC Verify and shipping data indicate that several ships, including those linked to Iran, did pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade.
Satellite imagery shows that the city of Al-Khiyam in Lebanon has been heavily destroyed within a short period, indicating intense bombardment.
There are also reports that European countries are planning a coalition to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including mine-clearing and deployment of naval forces. The United States announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the capture of Ahmed al-Hamidawi, leader of Kataib Hezbollah, accusing him of targeting US interests in Iraq.
Reports also suggest that Hezbollah has started using advanced fiber-optic guided drones that are resistant to electronic warfare and cannot easily be hacked. Italy has suspended its defense agreement with Israel due to the current situation, halting military cooperation and technology exchange. Analysts say this reflects a shift in European stance.
The head of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad stated that their mission in Iran will not be complete until regime change occurs, claiming operations were conducted deep inside Tehran during recent conflicts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met President Asif Ali Zardari and briefed him in detail about the negotiations between Iran and the United States. Pakistan’s Power Division announced load shedding during peak hours to reduce the use of expensive fuel and prevent an increase in electricity prices. At the time of recording, electricity outages were already affecting daily life, with reliance on backup power systems.
Trump’s interview with New York Post on Iran talks possibly restarting in Islamabad/Pakistan within next two days, call-back to reporter, praise for Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Pakistan’s role: https://nypost.com/2026/04/14/us-news/president-trump-tells-the-post-us-iran-talks-could-be-happening-over-next-two-days/
Additional context on Trump/Pakistan role, Asim Munir, and earlier talks: https://nypost.com/2026/04/10/us-news/trump-tells-the-post-hes-preparing-military-if-iran-fails-to-comply-in-talks-were-loading-up-the-ships/
Retired Pakistani Lt. Gen. on Iran’s flexibility regarding uranium enrichment and need for mutual gains: Coverage referencing similar comments (e.g., Lt. Gen. Muhammad Saeed): https://www.aol.com/articles/pakistani-general-says-iran-diplomacy-184411897.html (and related reports)
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