Trump says ‘we’re loading up the ships’ as he warns of strikes if Iran talks fail

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Friday, April 10, said the United States is preparing military options if upcoming peace talks with Iran do not produce a deal, according to comments made to the New York Post.

The remarks came as JD Vance departed for Pakistan to lead negotiations aimed at ending weeks of conflict.

A temporary ceasefire is currently in place, but major disagreements remain between Washington and Tehran. The outcome of the talks is expected to determine whether the truce holds or hostilities resume.

Trump signals military readiness as talks approach

Speaking in a phone interview with the outlet, Trump said US warships are being rearmed in preparation for a potential escalation. “We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon,” he said when asked about the likelihood of a successful outcome.

“We have a reset going. We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made, even better than what we did previously and we blew them apart,” he added. “And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively.”

Trump also raised concerns about Iran’s consistency in negotiations. “You’re dealing against people that we don’t know whether or not they tell the truth,” he said. “To our face, they’re getting rid of all nuclear weapons, everything’s gone. And then they go out to the press and say, ‘No, we’d like to enrich.’ So we’ll find out.” 

Vance leads delegation as key sticking points remain

Vice President JD Vance departed for Islamabad to lead the US delegation in talks with Iranian representatives, which are expected to include officials such as the Speaker of the Parliament of Iran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Ahead of departure, Vance expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations. “We’re looking forward to the negotiation. I think it’s going to be positive,” he said.

However, he emphasized that progress would depend on Iran’s approach. “If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance said. “If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find that the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

The talks are expected to focus on several unresolved issues, including US demands for Iran to hand over its enriched uranium stockpile and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

Additional points of contention include Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional groups, and Tehran’s request for relief from US sanctions.