Trump Declares Iran War “Very Close to Over” as New Talks Loom — Russia Slams US Actions as Unprovoked Aggression

In a dramatic shift in tone, US President Donald Trump has declared that the war with Iran is “very close to being over” and that Tehran “wants to make a deal very badly.”

The statement comes just days after the first round of high-stakes direct talks collapsed in Islamabad — and as Pakistan is once again being positioned as a potential host for the second round.

What Trump Said Today

Speaking to Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, Trump confirmed that a second round of negotiations could begin within days. He described the situation as moving toward a “grand bargain” — offering Iran economic relief in exchange for abandoning any nuclear ambitions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

This optimistic message arrives even as the US Navy continues its blockade of Iranian ports, a move that has escalated tensions but also appears to be pushing both sides back to the negotiating table.

Russia’s Sharp Response

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov wasted no time reacting. In strong remarks today, Lavrov called US and Israeli actions against Iran “unprovoked aggression” and warned that they are reshaping global energy security.

Moscow is now openly pushing for the US-Iran talks to continue, with Russia and China ready to provide coordinated diplomatic backing. Lavrov stressed that any deal must restore freedom of navigation and respect international law.

Pakistan’s Role in the Spotlight Again

With the fragile two-week ceasefire still in place, Pakistani officials have proposed hosting the next round of talks in Islamabad as early as this week. The first round at Serena Hotel (April 11–12) lasted over 21 hours but ended without a breakthrough.

For Pakistan, successful mediation would be a major diplomatic win — and a boost for regional stability that directly affects oil prices, energy security, and South Asian geopolitics.

The Bigger Picture: Blockade, Hormuz, and Global Stakes

The US has intensified its naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint carrying nearly 20% of global oil trade. While Trump signals diplomacy, the military pressure continues.

Markets are watching closely: oil prices eased slightly today on hopes of de-escalation, but uncertainty remains high.

What Happens Next?

• Second round of US-Iran talks possibly this week (Islamabad or Geneva still in play).
• Russia and China positioning themselves as key backers of a “fair deal.”
• The April 22 ceasefire deadline is fast approaching.

This rapid evolution — from collapse of talks to Trump’s “close to over” declaration — shows how fluid and high-stakes the situation remains.

What do you think, Pakistan?

Is Trump’s optimism a genuine path to peace, or strategic pressure? Should Pakistan push harder to host the next round? Drop your views in the comments.

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