President Donald Trump downplayed the importance of ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Iran during a press briefing outside the White House on Saturday, claiming that the United States has already secured a military victory. 'It doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win,' Trump stated, referring to the talks led by Vice President JD Vance in Pakistan.
Ceasefire Talks Face Challenges
The negotiations, which began face-to-face on Saturday, aim to solidify a fragile ceasefire announced two weeks ago. However, deep disagreements and Israel’s continued attacks against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon have threatened progress. The talks follow separate meetings between U.S. and Iranian officials with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
'Let’s see what happens – maybe they make a deal maybe they don’t,' Trump said. 'It doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win.'
Strait of Hormuz Remains Flashpoint
The U.S. military is currently searching for mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and natural gas shipments that remains effectively closed. Iran denies claims that U.S. vessels have entered the strait, asserting that control over any transit rests with its armed forces. The strait is expected to be a major point of contention in the ongoing negotiations.
Meanwhile, Qatar announced the full resumption of maritime navigation activities effective Sunday, though it remains unclear if this includes transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The decision coincides with anti-war demonstrations in Tel Aviv, where thousands gathered to protest Israel’s involvement in conflicts across the region.
As of late Saturday, trilateral discussions between the U.S., Iran, and Pakistan were still ongoing. The death toll from Israeli strikes in Lebanon has surpassed 2,000, according to health officials.