Trump Signals Military Readiness as Iran Talks Begin in Pakistan

President says U.S. forces are “loading up” with advanced weapons while negotiations move forward following ceasefire

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

President Donald J. Trump said Friday that the United States is preparing for potential military action against Iran as diplomatic negotiations get underway in Pakistan, indicating that American forces are being equipped with advanced weaponry in parallel with talks.

In remarks to the New York Post, Trump said the outcome of the negotiations could become clear within a short timeframe. “We’re going to find out in about 24 hours. We’re going to know soon,” he said.

The president described a dual-track approach, emphasizing ongoing diplomacy while underscoring military preparedness. “We have a reset going,” Trump said. “We’re loading up the ships with the best ammunition, the best weapons ever made — even better than what we did previously, and we blew them apart.”

He added that the buildup would continue as talks proceed. “But we’re loading up the ships … with the best weapons ever made, even at a higher level than we used to do a complete decimation,” Trump said. “And if we don’t have a deal, we will be using them, and we will be using them very effectively.”

Vice President JD Vance departed for Pakistan aboard Air Force Two to participate in the negotiations, joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussions are aimed at building on a recently announced ceasefire and establishing a broader agreement.

Iran is expected to send a delegation that includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Trump expressed skepticism about Iran’s commitments ahead of the talks. “You’re dealing against people that we don’t know whether or not they tell the truth,” he said. “To our face, they’re getting rid of all nuclear weapons, everything’s gone. And then they go out to the press and say, ‘No, we’d like to enrich.’ So, we’ll find out.”

Administration officials said they remain optimistic while preparing contingency plans. Kevin Hassett said the negotiating team represents senior leadership within the administration. “We’re very, very hopeful,” Hassett said in an interview, adding, “We’ve got the A team going to Pakistan to negotiate with the Iranians. And we also have backup plans if necessary.”

Retired Gen. Jack Keane said U.S. forces have the capability to secure maritime routes if tensions escalate, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping corridor. “I know our forces can open up that strait and protect the ships going through it,” Keane said. “People are handwringing about a drone here and a missile there … They don’t understand the plan and the details of the plan.”

The negotiations mark a critical phase following the ceasefire, with officials indicating that both diplomatic and military options remain under consideration as discussions proceed.