Trump Says Iran Deal "Very Close" as Talks Eye Islamabad

President Donald Trump said on April 17 that an agreement with Iran is "very close" and that talks could resume in Islamabad as early as the weekend. Trump made the remarks at a "No Tax on Tips" event in Las Vegas, signaling a possible breakthrough after weeks of intermittent negotiations.

Pakistan as Mediator

A Pakistani delegation led by Army Chief Asim Munir delivered a US message to Tehran in recent days, according to officials briefed on the matter. Islamabad has emerged as the preferred venue for indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran since the war began on Feb. 28.

Vance's Earlier Round

Vice President JD Vance led an earlier round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad that ran roughly 21 hours but ended without an agreement. US officials said the latest opening was driven by intensified diplomatic engagement on both sides.

Stakes for Markets and the Region

A breakthrough would ease oil prices, which have hovered near $95 per barrel through April, and could unlock a broader regional de-escalation already visible in this week's Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. Trump did not commit to a date for any final agreement.