Trump deploys delegation to Pakistan, issues Iran ultimatum if deal fails: 'Every bridge comes down'

Trump said US representatives would travel to Islamabad for negotiations, suggesting a diplomatic channel remains open despite escalating rhetoric
President Donald Trump alleged that Iran fired on vessels in the Strait, calling it a ceasefire violation and raising concerns over maritime security and regional stability (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump alleged that Iran fired on vessels in the Strait, calling it a ceasefire violation and raising concerns over maritime security and regional stability (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Sunday, April 19, that American representatives are traveling to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations with Iran, while accusing Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement in the Strait of Hormuz. 

Trump alleged that Iranian forces fired on vessels in the strategic waterway a day earlier, on Saturday.

He also outlined plans for renewed diplomatic engagement even as he issued strong warnings about potential US action. The remarks come amid heightened tensions over shipping routes and regional security.

President Donald Trump speaks at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church, Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
President Donald Trump speaks at a Turning Point USA event at Dream City Church, Friday, April 17, 2026, in Phoenix (AP Photo/Ross D Franklin)

Trump announces Pakistan talks and alleges ceasefire violation

Trump said US officials would be in Pakistan for talks with Iran, framing the move as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz, A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement! Many of them were aimed at a French Ship, and a Freighter from the United Kingdom," he wrote in a Truth Social post.

"That wasn’t nice, was it? My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan, They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations,” he added.



Trump indicated that special envoy Steve Witkoff would travel to Islamabad and that Jared Kushner would also be involved in the discussions. He did not specify whether other senior officials would participate in the upcoming talks.

Trump also claimed that Iran’s reported actions in the Strait of Hormuz were counterproductive, asserting that a US-led blockade had already affected access to the waterway.

“Iran recently announced that they were closing the Strait, which is strange, because our BLOCKADE has already closed it. They’re helping us without knowing, and they are the ones that lose with the closed passage, $500 Million Dollars a day! The United States loses nothing,” he wrote.

President Donald Trump listens to speeches before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump listens to speeches before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

He further suggested that global shipping patterns were shifting in response to the situation. “In fact, many Ships are headed, right now, to the US, Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska, to load up, compliments of the IRGC, always wanting to be ‘the tough guy!’” Trump added.

Trump outlines deal and warns of military action if rejected

Alongside the diplomatic outreach, Trump described what he called a proposed agreement with Iran, characterizing it as favorable while warning of consequences if it were rejected.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR NICE GUY!” he added.

President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order in the Oval Office of the White House, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

The president continued by emphasizing the potential for escalation if negotiations fail.

“They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the DEAL, it will be my Honor to do what has to be done, which should have been done to Iran, by other Presidents, for the last 47 years. IT’S TIME FOR THE IRAN KILLING MACHINE TO END!” he continued.

Iranian Red Crescent emergency workers use a bulldozer to clear rubble from a residential building that was hit in an earlier U.S.-Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iranian Red Crescent emergency workers use a bulldozer to clear rubble from a residential building that was hit in an earlier US-Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, March 23, 2026 (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Trump’s remarks follow earlier statements in which he warned of significant consequences if an agreement was not reached, underscoring a strategy that combines diplomatic engagement with public pressure.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Netanyahu urged Trump to resume Iran strikes, but the US president favored giving ongoing peace talks with Tehran more time
2026-11-12T07:59:15.000Z
The bill would let Epstein survivors, state attorneys general and lawmakers sue the DOJ over withheld records and expand prosecutions of alleged offenders
2026-11-12T06:39:59.000Z
Miles Taylor described how Miller's direct intervention across federal agencies and late-night calls kept officials aligned with Trump's agenda
2026-11-12T06:15:15.000Z
The US provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid, including $3.3 billion for weapons and $500 million for missile defense
2026-11-12T05:21:48.000Z
Mike Levin and Jason Crow's proposal seeks greater transparency in presidential pardons, including disclosures of gifts to Trump-linked projects
2026-11-12T05:05:30.000Z
A source familiar with the memo said the changes would streamline the Cabinet and make it a more effective instrument for President Donald Trump
2026-11-12T04:56:44.000Z
Incoming lawmakers Adam Hamawy, Melat Kiros and Claire Valdez seek legislative guarantees before committing their votes for the speakership
2026-11-12T04:46:59.000Z
Despite the termination, Alina Habba is allowed to retain her $8 million signing bonus and another $6.5 million in payments already received
2026-11-12T04:19:17.000Z
Democrats plan to investigate Donald Trump's use of presidential powers on immigration and the Iran war, citing executive overreach
2026-11-12T02:32:30.000Z
Joe Biden reflected on the pressure that forced him out of the 2024 presidential race and explained how his cancer diagnosis could have changed his re-election decision
2026-11-12T01:51:53.000Z