Trump Denies, White House Confirms: Confusion Over Vance’s Islamabad Trip

US Vice President JD Vance will lead the American delegation for upcoming talks with Iran in Pakistan, a White House official said on Sunday, contradicting earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump.

The delegation is expected to include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The clarification came hours after Trump said “no” in multiple interviews when asked if Vance would attend the talks, even suggesting earlier that the Vice President might skip the visit due to security concerns.

However, the White House later confirmed that Vance “will attend,” underscoring apparent mixed messaging from the administration.

TRUMP ISSUES SHARP WARNING TO IRAN

Amid the confusion, Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran, warning of severe consequences if tensions continue to rise. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran of violating a ceasefire by firing in the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — a total violation of our ceasefire agreement,” he wrote, adding that some shots were aimed at a French vessel and a UK-linked freighter.

He went on to issue a stark threat: “If they don’t [accept a deal], the United States is going to knock out every single power plant and every single bridge in Iran. NO MORE MR NICE GUY!”

Trump also claimed that a US naval blockade had effectively shut down the strategic waterway, arguing that Iran stood to lose heavily from the disruption.

IRAN YET TO CONFIRM PARTICIPATION

Meanwhile, Iran has not yet decided whether it will send a delegation to Pakistan for the talks. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Tehran is unlikely to participate as long as the naval blockade remains in place.

The uncertainty over Iran’s involvement, combined with conflicting signals from Washington, has cast doubt over the prospects of the proposed negotiations in Islamabad.