Washington, 21 April (H.S.):

US President Donald Trump has sharply intensified his rhetoric against the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, promising a forthcoming agreement that surpasses it in safeguarding global security. This declaration arrives on the eve of critical negotiations in Islamabad, where a US delegation seeks to avert escalation as a fragile ceasefire nears expiration.

In a pointed Truth Social post on Monday, Trump lambasted the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as one of the worst deals ever made concerning American security, alleging it paved a direct path for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

He highlighted the previous administration's transfer of $1.7 billion in cash to Tehran, describing it as reckless largesse that fueled Iranian aggression. Trump asserted that his administration's emerging pact would eliminate such risks, ensuring no nuclear proliferation threatens Israel, the Middle East, or US bases.

Delegation Heads to Islamabad

A formidable US team, comprising Vice President JD Vance, advisor Jared Kushner, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, is en route to Pakistan for the second round of direct talks with Iranian counterparts.

These discussions follow a grueling 21-hour session earlier this month that yielded no breakthrough, heightening tensions as the ceasefire lapses on Wednesday.Pakistan's role as neutral host underscores its growing diplomatic clout, despite pointed commentary from observers like Mehdi Hasan, who credited Islamabad's overtures to Trump for facilitating the venue.

Defiance Against Domestic Critics

Trump dismissed Democratic accusations of undue haste in negotiations, contrasting his approach with prolonged past conflicts like World War II and Vietnam. He accused fake news outlets and figures such as Washington Post columnist David Ignatius of undermining US leverage, while insisting his strategy mirrors successful prior operations.

Amid reports of Iranian resilience such as downing US aircraft,Trump maintains the US holds the upper hand, rejecting any pressure to settle prematurely.

Iran's insistence on negotiating free from blockade shadows, coupled with US warnings of infrastructure-targeted escalation, frames these talks as a pivotal off-ramp. Global markets remain vigilant over potential Strait of Hormuz disruptions, while Trump's vision promises enduring peace across Europe, America, and beyond. Failure here could propel the region toward intensified confrontation, testing the Trump administration's resolve.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar