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Security personnel stand guard at a security checkpost along a road temporarily closed near the Serena Hotel at the Red Zone area in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, ahead of anticipated US-Iran peace talks. Photo: AFP
WASHINGTON DC - A US source familiar with the ongoing negotiations told Rudaw on Monday that an American delegation is scheduled to travel to Islamabad shortly to continue high-stakes talks aimed at resolving the current impasse with Iran.
The delegation, which is expected to include Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, arrives amid a fragile ceasefire and intensifying domestic criticism over the administration's "bullying" tactics.
Speaking to Rudaw, Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed deep skepticism regarding a near-term breakthrough.
When asked if he sees a potential deal between Iran and the United States, “Not anytime soon," Smith said. "The President making empty, over-the-top threats against all of the Iranian people isn't helping us get to a negotiated settlement.”
The Washington veteran argued that the current US strategy of coercion has failed to move the needle in Tehran. Smith contended that Iran is "radically" misaligned with US objectives because they believe they have already withstood the White House’s "best shot."
"We’re going to need a reset," Smith told Rudaw. "The President has dug us a very, very deep hole on this. Iran's a big problem, but this war has not helped us in terms of dealing with it."
Despite the bleak outlook for a comprehensive peace deal, Smith identified the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program as the two critical areas where progress remains a realistic goal. Smith emphasized that US focus should remain on reopening the strategic waterway to ensure global energy security and establishing concrete limits on Iranian nuclear enrichment. However, he cautioned that there is currently "no clear path" toward resolving the broader deadlock.
The diplomatic push comes as President Trump asserted on Truth Social on Monday that the US is "winning a War, BY A LOT," claiming the Iranian military has been effectively neutralized.
Trump stated that Iran’s navy has been "completely wiped out" and its air force grounded, describing the loss of Iranian leadership as a form of "Regime Change."
He emphasized that a strict blockade, which he claims is costing Tehran $500 million a day, will remain in place until a "DEAL" is reached, dismissing critical media reports as "unpatriotic."
The delegation, which is expected to include Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, arrives amid a fragile ceasefire and intensifying domestic criticism over the administration's "bullying" tactics.
Speaking to Rudaw, Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, expressed deep skepticism regarding a near-term breakthrough.
When asked if he sees a potential deal between Iran and the United States, “Not anytime soon," Smith said. "The President making empty, over-the-top threats against all of the Iranian people isn't helping us get to a negotiated settlement.”
The Washington veteran argued that the current US strategy of coercion has failed to move the needle in Tehran. Smith contended that Iran is "radically" misaligned with US objectives because they believe they have already withstood the White House’s "best shot."
"We’re going to need a reset," Smith told Rudaw. "The President has dug us a very, very deep hole on this. Iran's a big problem, but this war has not helped us in terms of dealing with it."
Despite the bleak outlook for a comprehensive peace deal, Smith identified the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program as the two critical areas where progress remains a realistic goal. Smith emphasized that US focus should remain on reopening the strategic waterway to ensure global energy security and establishing concrete limits on Iranian nuclear enrichment. However, he cautioned that there is currently "no clear path" toward resolving the broader deadlock.
The diplomatic push comes as President Trump asserted on Truth Social on Monday that the US is "winning a War, BY A LOT," claiming the Iranian military has been effectively neutralized.
Trump stated that Iran’s navy has been "completely wiped out" and its air force grounded, describing the loss of Iranian leadership as a form of "Regime Change."
He emphasized that a strict blockade, which he claims is costing Tehran $500 million a day, will remain in place until a "DEAL" is reached, dismissing critical media reports as "unpatriotic."
The upcoming talks in Islamabad are viewed as a "critical and sensitive" stage in the Pakistani-led mediation effort. While President Trump maintains that the economic and military pressure has left the enemy "confused" and nearing collapse, House Democratic leaders like Smith remain far more cautious, citing a persistent lack of trust and the absence of a "legitimate negotiating position" as the primary obstacles to a breakthrough.
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