Iran Hints at ‘New Cards’ on Battlefield as Uncertainty Looms over Peace Talks

The status of a second round of talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad remains unclear as both sides give contradictory statements.

Iran has not decided yet over its participation in the potential talks, with its top negotiator warning of “new cards on the battlefield” if the US resumes attacks.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in Tehran’s participation. US media reported that Vice President JD Vance will depart for Pakistan on Tuesday, a day before the two-week ceasefire expires.

Iran’s Position

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran was “positively” considering joining the talks in Pakistan, but has not made a final decision yet.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that Tehran informed regional mediators it would send a delegation to Islamabad for the second round of talks. However, there is no public confirmation from Iran.

This contradicts with earlier statements from top Iranian officials who ruled out taking part in the talks due to American actions and threatening rhetoric.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday that Tehran had no plans of joining the talks. “As of now, we have no plans for the next round of negotiations. We don’t believe in deadlines or ultimatums to secure Iran’s national interests,” he said.

New Cards Ready

Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf criticized Trump, saying that Tehran does not yield to threats.

“Trump, by imposing a siege and violating the ceasefire, seeks to turn this negotiating table — in his own imagination — into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering,” he posted on X.

“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats, and in the past two weeks, we have prepared to reveal new cards on the battlefield,” Qalibaf warned.

Furthermore, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday said that recent US actions, rhetoric and contradictions were signs of “bad intentions and lack of seriousness in diplomacy.”

Trump’s Optimism

Trump stressed that Iran would come to the negotiating table in Pakistan. In an interview on The John Fredericks Show, trump said: “They’re [Iran] going to negotiate. And if they don’t, they’re going to see problems like they’ve never seen before.”

“They’re going to negotiate, and hopefully they’ll make a fair deal, and they’ll build their country back up, but they will not have – when they do it – they will not have a nuclear weapon,” he added.

In light of this, a Pakistani source involved in the discussions told Reuters that there was momentum for talks to restart on Wednesday and Trump could attend in person, or virtually, in a case a deal was signed. “Things are moving forward and the talks are on track for tomorrow,” the source said.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance will leave for Pakistan on Tuesday for potential talks with Iran, Axios reported citing three US sources. They added that Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will also join the talks.

Speaking to Fox News, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington was close to a deal with Tehran. “Thanks to the success of the military operation and his (Trump’s) hardline negotiating style, we’re on the brink of ​a deal,” she said.

“And if not, the president, as commander in chief, still has a number of options at his disposal that he’s unafraid to use,” she warned.

Hormuz Tensions

Tensions remain high in light of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, the US Navy intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Arabian Sea.

This has sparked Iran’s outrage, casting more doubts on the potential peace talks. Tehran called the move a violation of the ceasefire and vowed retaliation. The Iranian Foreign Ministry also demanded the immediate release of the vessel’s crew.

“Without a doubt, the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all its capabilities to defend Iran’s national interests and security and to protect the rights and dignity of Iranians. It is obvious that the full responsibility for the further complication of the situation in the region lies with the US,” the Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.