Trump confesses 'no idea' on Iran outcome as Hormuz mine threat clouds Pakistan negotiations

Donald Trump said he could not predict the Iran talks' outcome and added that the US would soon assess whether Tehran was acting in good faith
President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty over Iran negotiations as trilateral talks began, with Pakistan mediating (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty over Iran negotiations as trilateral talks began, with Pakistan mediating (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Saturday, April 11, said he is uncertain about the outcome of ongoing negotiations with Iran, stating “I have no idea” when asked about the prospects of the talks.

His remarks came as US, Iranian, and Pakistani officials began trilateral discussions aimed at resolving ongoing tensions.

The talks follow recent military developments amid a fragile diplomatic environment. Officials say the coming days will be critical in determining whether progress can be made.

Trump expresses uncertainty as Iran talks begin

In a phone interview with NewsNation, Trump confirmed that negotiations involving the United States, Iran and Pakistan are underway but declined to predict their outcome. When asked how the talks would proceed, he responded: “I have no idea.”

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND - APRIL 10: U.S. President Donald Trump walks toward reporters before answering questions prior to boarding Air Force One on April 10, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. President Trump is traveling to Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump walks toward reporters before answering questions prior to boarding Air Force One on April 10, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

He added that the US would soon assess whether Iran is engaging constructively. According to Trump, the administration is monitoring Tehran’s actions closely and expects to determine “shortly” whether it is acting in good faith regarding efforts to resolve the conflict.

Trump also referenced developments in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor, stating that US officials are aware of the placement of mines in the area.

Large oil tanker ship smoking sails Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Iran - stock photo (Getty Images)
A large oil tanker ship sails the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, Iran (Getty Images)

He said the military is deploying equipment to address the situation, indicating ongoing operational activity alongside diplomatic efforts.

Tensions persist as talks proceed with Pakistan's mediation

While diplomatic discussions are underway, tensions remain elevated following warnings from Iran regarding US naval activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials cautioned that any continued movement of US vessels in the area could prompt a response.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson, speaking to Khabar Network and cited by Fars News Agency, said, “If the vessel continues to move, it will be targeted within 30 minutes, and the Iranian-American negotiations will suffer.” 

Vice President JD Vance, left, meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks about Iran on Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)
Vice President JD Vance, left, meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks about Iran on Saturday, April 11, 2026 (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

The warning follows reports that multiple US vessels have recently crossed the strait for the first time in months without coordination with Iran.

The talks in Islamabad are being conducted face-to-face, with Pakistan acting as a mediator. Vice President JD Vance is leading the US delegation, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Additional advisers and subject-matter experts are also participating, both on the ground and from Washington.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, left, meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan for talks about Iran. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)
Vice President JD Vance, left, meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, April 11, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks about Iran (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

Iran’s delegation is reported to include dozens of representatives, including negotiators and technical experts. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Vance and expressed hope that the discussions could lead to broader stability.

In a statement, his office said the talks could serve as “a stepping stone toward durable peace in the region.” Further meetings between Iranian officials and Pakistani leadership are also expected.

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