U.S. President Donald Trump on the 20th local time confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance will attend the second cease-fire talks with Iran scheduled in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Trump said in a morning interview with the New York Post that Vice President Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, among others in a high-level U.S. delegation, are heading to Islamabad and are expected to arrive within hours. He said, "They are going now," adding, "They will arrive tonight (Islamabad time)."
Dismissing the possibility of the talks falling apart, Trump said, "We are set to negotiate," adding, "So at this point I don't think anyone is playing games." He also noted that if the opportunity arises, he could meet Iran's leadership directly.
Trump said, "If they want, we have very capable people, but I have no problem meeting them."
He again stressed as a core condition of the talks that Iran must give up nuclear weapons. Trump said, "They have to give up nuclear weapons. Very simple," adding, "There will be no nuclear weapons."
He did not offer specifics on what would happen if Iran rejects this or the talks collapse. Asked about measures such as additional seizures of Iran-related ships, he said, "I don't want to talk about that," adding, "Imagine it. It would not be a good situation." Asked whether the United States knows who is leading Iran, Trump said, "We know quite well, and we think we are dealing with the appropriate people."