Pakistan

White House Clarifies Timeline After Trump Says Delegation ‘On The Way’

by Mohammed Ahmed
written by Mohammed Ahmed
Feroz Khan / BPI News

The White House has clarified that Vice President JD Vance and the US delegation have not yet departed Washington D.C. for Islamabad, contradicting earlier remarks by Donald J. Trump that representatives were “going over there now”.

According to CNN’s White House correspondent, Vance is expected to depart Washington tomorrow, indicating that the timeline for potential talks may not be as immediate as previously suggested.

Trump had told the New York Post that US representatives were travelling to Islamabad and would arrive shortly, adding that he would be willing to meet senior Iranian leaders if a breakthrough is reached.

Iran Maintains Position That Talks Are Not Confirmed

Iran has continued to publicly state that no decision has been made regarding a second round of negotiations.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said:

“As of now… we have no plans for the next round of negotiation, and no decision has been made in this regard.”

Iran has also informed the United States through Pakistan that it does not intend to hold talks in Islamabad unless the US naval blockade on Iranian ports is lifted.

However, sources familiar with the matter told BPI News that Iranian officials have been instructed to remain ready to travel at short notice.

Momentum Builds In Islamabad Despite Public Positions

Despite the public positions from both sides, there is cautious optimism in Islamabad that talks could still take place, with momentum building in recent days, BPI News understands.

Security and diplomatic sources indicated that Pakistan’s military leadership has been actively engaged, with Army Chief Asim Munir spending several days outside the country during the negotiation phase.

Officials told BPI News that Pakistani authorities are closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz, viewing any escalation there as a potential obstacle to progress.

At the diplomatic level, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has met both US and Iranian ambassadors, assuring them that full security arrangements are in place for any potential talks.

Officials familiar with preparations said the framework for negotiations is now effectively in place.

Islamabad Lockdown And Security Operation Continue

On the ground, Islamabad remains under extensive security lockdown.

More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the capital, according to information gathered by BPI News.

Residents along key routes between Nur Khan Airbase and central Islamabad told BPI News they have been instructed not to record convoy movements, while security personnel have been deployed on rooftops.

Multiple hotel sources confirmed that two major hotels, including the Serena Hotel, have been cleared of guests, with no new bookings being accepted.

Islamabad Traffic Police have implemented sweeping closures, sealing the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone, while major routes including the Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway are subject to shutdowns.

Heavy transport entering the capital has been suspended, with detailed diversion plans issued across multiple sectors.

Security sources told BPI News that police units have been equipped with drone-jamming technology.

Military Logistics Reinforce Preparations

Further indications of ongoing preparations have emerged from Nur Khan Airbase, where United States Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft have been filmed landing.

Footage reviewed by BPI News shows the aircraft carrying armoured vehicles, trucks and logistical equipment, consistent with preparations for a high-level diplomatic engagement.

Preparations Continue Despite Uncertainty Over Timing

While the exact timing of talks remains unclear following the White House clarification, the scale of security measures and logistical activity in Islamabad indicates that preparations are continuing.

BPI News previously reported that the capital was moving towards lockdown conditions based on security deployments, transport shutdowns and hotel evacuations.

Those measures remain in place, suggesting that despite public statements and timeline adjustments, preparations for talks have not been scaled back.