No nukes or no ceasefire: Trump gives Iran a binary as talks remain in doubt

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Monday, April 20, that violence could resume if the ceasefire with Iran expires, warning that “lots of bombs start going off.” The remarks came during a phone interview with PBS News as uncertainty continues over upcoming negotiations.

A US delegation is expected to travel to Islamabad for talks, though Iran has not confirmed its participation. 

Trump warns of escalation and outlines negotiation goals

Trump when asked about the potential consequences if the ceasefire lapses, said, “Then lots of bombs start going off,” offering a brief but direct assessment of the situation. 

The president also expressed uncertainty over whether Iran would attend the planned negotiations in Islamabad.

“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,” he said.

Trump reiterated that the central objective of the talks remains Iran’s nuclear program.

“No nuclear weapons. Very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Very simple,” he said when asked what he expected from the negotiating team.

He also defended the role of Jared Kushner in diplomatic efforts despite questions about his business ties in the Middle East.

“Well, he was there before, a 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,” the president said.

Trump further emphasised that the scope of negotiations is limited. "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," Trump said. 

"So you know, that's it. I sent an A-team. I sent my A-Team, and 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," he added.

Iran signals no immediate talks 

Uncertainty around negotiations increased after Iran indicated there are no immediate plans for further discussions with the United States. The country’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran is not currently preparing for another round of talks.

“As of now, we have no plans for the next round of negotiations,” Baqaei said during a weekly press conference. He added, “We don’t believe in deadlines or ultimatums to secure Iran’s national interests.”

The remarks come as tensions have risen following recent developments, including the reported seizure of an Iranian-flagged vessel by the United States.

The incident prompted a response from Tehran and has contributed to uncertainty surrounding diplomatic engagement.

While Washington has announced plans to send a delegation to Pakistan for discussions, Iranian officials have not confirmed attendance.

Earlier indications suggested that a second round of talks could take place, but subsequent statements and state media reports have cast doubt on whether Iran will participate.