President Trump Declares Iran Conflict ‘Close to Over,’ Anticipates Imminent Talks in Pakistan

President Donald Trump has indicated that the seven-week conflict with the Islamic Republic of Iran is nearing its conclusion, stating in a soon-to-be-aired interview with Fox News that the war is “close to over.”

Expanding on the timeline for peace, the President revealed to the New York Post that a second round of direct negotiations between the United States and Iran “could be happening over the next two days.” While initial assessments suggested the diplomatic meetings might convene in Europe, the President confirmed that the talks are now highly likely to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan.

President Trump attributed the choice of venue to his confidence in Pakistan’s Field Marshal
Gen. Asim Munir, with whom the administration worked closely last year to broker a rapid peace agreement during Pakistan’s brief conflict with India.

“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” the President said regarding Islamabad. “It’s more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job.”

He further praised the Pakistani military leader, adding, “He’s fantastic, and therefore it’s more likely that we go back there. Why should we go to some country that has nothing to do with it? … You know he ended the war with India, saved 30 million people.”

While President Trump confirmed he will not personally attend the prospective talks, he remained resolute on the administration’s core demands regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Following unsuccessful talks over the past weekend, reports surfaced suggesting the U.S. had asked Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program for a period of two decades. The President strongly dismissed this framework.

“I’ve been saying they can’t have nuclear weapons,” President Trump stated. “So I don’t like the 20 years.” When asked if a temporary moratorium might provide Iranian leadership with a face-saving diplomatic “win” to present to their populace, the President was unequivocal: “I don’t want them to feel like they have a win.”

The administration’s firm posture has garnered support from nuclear nonproliferation experts.

Andrea Stricker, deputy director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warned in an interview with the Post that a two-decade suspension would introduce severe verification challenges and heighten the risk of deception by the Iranian regime. Stricker emphasized that only “full, verified, and permanent nuclear disarmament” can definitively eliminate Iran’s weaponization capabilities.

However, regional analysts and Iranian delegates indicate that reaching such an absolute agreement remains a complex hurdle. Retired Pakistani Lt. Gen. Muhammad Saeed, drawing on diplomatic experience with Iran, noted that Tehran requires an outcome that can be framed to its citizens as a compromise rather than a capitulation.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials have signaled strict opposition to total disarmament. Professor Mohammad Marandi, who accompanied Tehran’s delegation to the initial talks in Islamabad, maintained a rigid stance, declaring that the current U.S. blockade will not alter Iran’s position and asserting that “ending enrichment will not be accepted.”