In an interview with the New York Post on Tuesday, Donald Trump suggested that new discussions between the United States and Iran could take place “in the next two days,” as reported by the New York daily. He now mentions Islamabad as a preferred option for hosting these exchanges.
In an initial phone call, the American president had described discussions already underway, but progressing “slowly,” while mentioning the possibility of a second round of negotiations in Europe. A few minutes later, he corrected this direction and highlighted the Pakistani capital.
“Something could happen in the next two days”
“You should really stay down there, because something could happen in the next two days, and we are more likely to go there,” he said about Islamabad, before adding: “It is more likely, you know why? Because the marshal is doing an excellent job.” He was referring to Pakistani marshal Asim Munir, chief of the Pakistani army, whom he credits with a key role in a previous agreement between Pakistan and India.
The American president stands by this choice on the basis of this relationship: “He’s great, so it’s more likely that we’ll go back there. Why would we go to a country that has nothing to do with this?” He also stated: “I just think he’s a very good person, this marshal. You know, he ended the war with India, he saved 30 million people.”
Trump will not travel for the negotiations
Donald Trump also clarified that he would not participate directly in these discussions, without indicating who would represent the United States. He also criticized the proposals discussed in recent exchanges with Iran.
On the issue of the Iranian nuclear program, he rejected the idea of a temporary moratorium on uranium enrichment: “I have been saying from the beginning that they cannot have nuclear weapons.” He also rejected any solution that would allow Tehran to claim a political victory: “I don’t want them to feel like they have achieved a win.”
