WASHINGTON: President of the United States, Donald Trump, has expressed cautious optimism over the ongoing talks in Islamabad while reiterating Washington’s firm stance on regional security and nuclear non-proliferation.
Speaking to the media, President Trump said he “wished them luck” regarding the negotiations, adding that developments would become clearer in the coming days as key members of his team engage in discussions.
Referring to the evolving situation, he claimed that opposing forces had been “militarily defeated,” asserting that the United States would ensure the reopening of key maritime routes, including the strategically vital strait in the Gulf region, regardless of obstacles.
“We’re going to open up the Gulf… with them or without them,” he said, emphasizing that freedom of navigation in international waters would be maintained. He warned that any attempts to disrupt access would not be allowed.
The US president underscored that preventing nuclear weapons remained Washington’s top priority.
“No nuclear weapons—that’s 99 percent of it,” he stated, adding that while regime change was not an official objective, developments on the ground would determine the course ahead.
President Trump also indicated that senior officials, including members of his diplomatic team, were scheduled to meet soon to assess progress and determine next steps.
Highlighting the broader global stakes, he noted that while the United States does not heavily rely on the strait, other countries do, and international cooperation would play a role in maintaining its accessibility.
He cautioned that the situation may not be resolved easily but expressed confidence that the waterway would be reopened “fairly soon.”
Concluding his remarks, President Trump said the outcome of the talks would become clearer after upcoming engagements, noting that similar issues had been discussed for decades without resolution, but his administration was pursuing a more decisive approach.
