President Donald Trump offered mixed messages on Monday about the path ahead for the US war against Iran, declaring that he was in no rush to end the conflict while also expressing confidence that further negotiations with Tehran will soon take place in Pakistan.With the 14-day ceasefire to expire Wednesday, Trump whipsawed in telephone interviews and social media posts between measured optimism that a deal could soon be reached and warning that “lots of bombs” will “start going off” if there’s no agreement before the ceasefire deadline.Trump indicated that he still expects to dispatch his negotiating team, led by Vice President JD Vance, to Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad for a second round of talks, even as Iran insisted it would not take part until Trump dialed back his demands.Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, accused the United States of wanting Iran to surrender and added that on the contrary, Iran has been preparing “to reveal new cards on the battlefield.” “We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” Qalibaf wrote in a post on X early Tuesday.Pakistani officials moved ahead with preparations for a new round of talks between the US and Iran as the tenuous ceasefire was further strained over the weekend by renewed conflict around the Strait of Hormuz.Vance to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday for Iran talksApril 21, 2026 8:26 amWashington: US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan on Tuesday for Iran talks, Axios reported Monday citing US sources. Reuters