U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to weaken Iran’s negotiating position ahead of crucial peace talks scheduled to hold this weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan, declaring that Tehran’s only leverage lies in its control of a key global oil route.
In a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump argued that Iran lacks meaningful bargaining power beyond what he described as short-term pressure tactics involving international waterways.
“The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!” Trump stated.
His remarks are widely interpreted as a reference to the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. During the recent conflict, Iran had restricted access to the strait in an apparent bid to increase pressure on both the United States and its allies, including Israel.
Trump further criticised Iran’s global messaging strategy, claiming the country performs better in media engagement than in military confrontation.
“The Iranians are better at handling the fake news media, and ‘public relations,’ than they are at fighting!” he added.
The comments come as diplomatic efforts intensify to secure a long-term resolution following weeks of heightened tensions and military exchanges between Washington and Tehran.
However, Iran has signalled that it is not prepared to enter negotiations without certain preconditions being met.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who is expected to play a central role in the Islamabad discussions, stated that key elements of a prior agreement remain unfulfilled.
“Two of the measures mutually agreed upon between the parties have yet to be implemented: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran’s blocked assets prior to the commencement of negotiations,” Qalibaf said.
He stressed that both conditions must be satisfied before formal negotiations with the United States can proceed, underscoring Tehran’s firm stance despite Trump’s dismissive rhetoric.
The upcoming talks follow a fragile two-week ceasefire brokered earlier this week through the joint efforts of several countries, including Pakistan, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
The truce temporarily halted over a month of intense hostilities that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, escalating tensions across the Middle East.
As part of the ceasefire arrangement, both sides agreed to engage in dialogue aimed at reaching a broader and more lasting peace agreement.
The U.S. delegation to the Islamabad talks is expected to be led by Vice President JD Vance, signalling the high level of importance Washington attaches to the negotiations.
Despite diplomatic momentum, analysts warn that deep divisions remain between the parties, particularly over regional security concerns, Iran’s nuclear programme, and control of strategic assets such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing hostilities in Lebanon and differing interpretations of the ceasefire’s scope and conditions.
Trump’s latest remarks are likely to add another layer of tension ahead of the talks, as both sides attempt to assert dominance in shaping the narrative and outcome of negotiations.
As global attention turns to Islamabad, the success or failure of the talks could have far-reaching implications for regional stability, international energy markets, and broader geopolitical relations.
