▲ This photo, released by the Associated Press, shows U.S. President Donald Trump attending an event at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 18, 2026. (Yonhap)

Trump-Iran negotiations

Trump says expects 'great deal' with Iran ahead of peace talks in Pakistan

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, April 21 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States will end up with "a great deal" with Iran, as his delegation is preparing to engage in a new round of negotiations with the Islamic Republic in Pakistan this week.

During a phone interview with CNBC, Trump also said he does not want to extend a two-week ceasefire with Iran, which is set to expire Wednesday evening (Washington time).

"What I think is that we are going to end up with a great deal," he said.

"I think they have no choice. We've taken out their navy. We've taken out their air force. We've taken out their leaders, frankly, which does complicate things in one way, but these leaders are much more rational," he added.

He highlighted that Washington is in a "very strong" negotiating position, as it has ratcheted up pressure on Iran to accept a series of its demands, including Iran's commitment not to have a nuclear weapon.

In a social media post Sunday, Trump said the U.S. is offering a "very fair and reasonable" deal, renewing threats to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges if a deal is not reached.

Vice President JD Vance and other U.S. negotiators were reportedly expected to depart for Islamabad on Tuesday for a possible second round of peace talks with Iran. The U.S. and Iran held the first round of talks in the Pakistani capital from April 11 and 12, but they failed to reach a deal.

Asked if he is willing to extend the current ceasefire with Iran if there is progress in the negotiations, Trump struck a negative tone.

"Well, I don't want to do that. We don't have that much time," he said during the CNBC interview.

He claimed that if Iran makes a deal, it can "get themselves at a very good footing."

"If they make a deal, they can make themselves into a strong nation again, a wonderful nation again," he said.

Uncertainty hangs over the outcome of the future peace talks as tensions continued over Iran's angry response to America's continued blockade of Iranian ports, which Trump has said would end when a peace deal is signed.

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