International
oi-Ashish Rana
US President Donald Trump has warned that the conflict with Iran could escalate sharply if the current ceasefire collapses, saying “lots of bombs start going off” if the truce expires on Tuesday. The remarks, reported by PBS News, came as a US delegation prepared for another round of talks in Islamabad aimed at preventing a wider regional confrontation.
President Trump warned that conflict with Iran could escalate sharply if the Tuesday ceasefire collapses, emphasizing the US objective in upcoming Islamabad talks is solely to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump Gives Blunt Warning Ahead Of Ceasefire Deadline
Trump delivered a stark message when asked what could happen if the ceasefire expires on Tuesday evening. His response was direct: “Then lots of bombs start going off.”
The warning comes at a tense diplomatic moment, with uncertainty still surrounding whether Iran will participate in the next scheduled round of discussions in Pakistan’s capital.
When asked if Tehran was still expected at the Islamabad talks, Trump said: “I don’t know. I mean, they’re supposed to be there. We agreed to be there, although they say we didn’t. But no, it was set up. And we’ll see whether or not it’s there. If they’re not there, that’s fine too.”
His comments suggested that while Washington remains formally committed to the meeting, the White House is not certain Iran will follow through.
Trump Says US Objective In Talks Is ‘Very Simple’
Trump made clear that the administration’s position going into Islamabad is centred entirely on blocking Iran from acquiring nuclear capability.
Asked what he wanted from the negotiating team, he said: “No nuclear weapons. Very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Very simple.”
The line reinforced the administration’s public posture that the talks are focused narrowly on Iran’s nuclear ambitions rather than a broader regional settlement.
With the ceasefire deadline approaching, Trump’s repeated emphasis on a single demand appeared designed to increase pressure on Tehran while keeping Washington’s message uncomplicated and forceful.
Jared Kushner’s Role Defended Despite Business Questions
Trump also defended Jared Kushner after being asked whether it was appropriate for him to be involved in negotiations despite having business and financial interests in the Middle East, including ties linked to Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region.
Responding to the criticism, Trump said: “Well, he was there before, long time before, and he’s purely negotiating for the fact that they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon. Whether you have business or not, everybody knows that’s the right thing. He’s a very good negotiator …”
He continued: “No, I mean, we’re not negotiating anything other than the fact that they will not have a nuclear weapon. And that’s pretty basic when you get right down to it. So you know, that’s it. I sent an A-team. I sent my A-Team, he’s done an excellent job. He doesn’t participate with Saudi now, as you know. He’s taken… He doesn’t do that. He has a business but he doesn’t participate now.”
The exchange again puts focus on questions surrounding the overlap between diplomacy and private business interests, especially in a region where the Trump family’s commercial footprint has remained under scrutiny.
Trump Rejects Concerns Over Gas Prices Before Midterms
Trump was also asked about domestic political concerns after Energy Secretary Chris Wright said gas prices may not fall below $3 until later this year or next year.
He rejected that assessment and tied lower fuel prices directly to the outcome of the Iran standoff.
“I disagree with him totally. I think it’ll come roaring down if it ends. If we end it, if Iran does what they should do, it will come roaring down,” Trump said.
The comment linked the administration’s foreign policy strategy with its economic messaging ahead of the midterm elections, with Trump arguing that a resolution with Iran could quickly ease pressure at the pump.
As the ceasefire deadline nears and the Islamabad talks remain uncertain, Trump’s remarks signal that the coming hours could prove decisive in determining whether diplomacy holds or the crisis moves toward renewed military escalation.
