US President Donald Trump has said he is unconcerned about the outcome of ongoing US-Iran negotiations, insisting that Washington has already secured victory regardless of whether a final agreement is reached.
“Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me. The reason is because we’ve won,” Trump told reporters on Saturday (April 11), adding that the United States was already “very deep” in discussions with Iran.
His remarks came as high-level peace talks between the United States and Iran entered a second day in Islamabad, amid heightened tensions following recent conflict in the Middle East.
Trump also claimed US forces had “defeated them militarily”, while reiterating that Washington’s position remained strong even without an agreement.
The White House said discussions continued past midnight, although Iranian media accused the US of making excessive demands, particularly regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass.
A Pakistani official said the talks were progressing positively and described the atmosphere as “cordial”, while noting that both sides were engaging directly rather than relying on intermediaries.
US Vice President JD Vance became the highest-ranking American official to meet Iranian representatives since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, joined by senior US figures including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The Iranian delegation, led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reportedly comprises around 70 officials.
Despite reports of progress, disagreements remain over key issues, including sanctions relief and regional conflicts involving Iran’s allies, which Tehran has insisted must be addressed in any final agreement.
Tensions also escalated over disputed claims that US naval vessels had been deployed to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, allegations Iran has strongly denied, warning it would respond to any unauthorised military passage.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said any military attempt to enter the waterway would be “dealt with severely”, while insisting that safe passage guarantees only apply to civilian ships under specific conditions.
Trump also criticised NATO allies for not playing a larger role in the conflict, saying the United States had not received meaningful support during the escalation.
