President Trump on Monday forcefully defended his approach to the war with Iran, sharply criticizing opponents and skeptics by labeling them “traitors.” His comments came as uncertainty grew around a potential second round of negotiations with Tehran after U.S. naval forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. The interception marked the first such action since the United States began enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports last week. Iranian military officials warned that the country would retaliate.
Trump said Vice President JD Vance, senior adviser Jared Kushner, and envoy Steve Witkoff were expected to travel to Islamabad on Monday for talks, with Pakistani authorities preparing a location for possible discussions. However, Iran did not confirm participation in another round of negotiations with the United States, and later in the day Vance’s motorcade was seen arriving at the White House.
According to Reuters, a senior Iranian official said Tehran is considering proposals for talks later this week. While the government had previously rejected the idea of peace negotiations, the official said the proposals are now being “positively reviewed,” though no final decision has been made.
Trump appeared skeptical that a new agreement would be reached in time. Speaking to Bloomberg, he said it was “highly unlikely” that the ceasefire would be extended before its scheduled expiration. The current truce, he said, is set to end Wednesday evening Washington time.
In the weeks leading up to and during the seven-week conflict, Trump has faced criticism from political opponents and some supporters who argued that the United States followed Israel’s lead into the war. Trump rejected that claim, accusing news organizations of promoting what he called a false narrative. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote that Israel did not persuade him to go to war, adding that the October 7 attacks and his long-standing belief that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon were key factors in his decision-making.
The continuing confrontation has raised concerns about worsening disruptions in global energy markets after nearly two months of fighting. Iran’s forensic authority reports that at least 3,375 people have been killed in the country since the conflict began.
Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon announced they plan to take part in another round of diplomatic discussions scheduled for Thursday in Washington, D.C., continuing their first direct talks in decades.