Trump not considering extending ceasefire with Iran, says "deal is preferable"

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) said that he is not considering extending the ongoing two-week ceasefire with Iran; however, he indicated that a negotiated deal would be the preferred outcome to end the conflict in West Asia.

Speaking to ABC News' Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, the US President said he does not believe extending the ceasefire will be necessary.

"President Trump told me today he isn't thinking about extending the ceasefire. He doesn't think it will be necessary," Karl wrote in his post.

Trump expressed confidence about imminent developments, saying, "I think you're going to be watching an amazing two days ahead. I really do."

When asked whether the war would end through a deal or by simply neutralising Iran's capabilities, Trump said both outcomes were possible but emphasised his preference for diplomacy.

"It could end either way, but I think a deal is preferable because then they can rebuild. They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals. They're gone, no longer with us," the US President said as quoted by ABC's Karl.

Trump also made a sweeping claim about his leadership, stating, "If I weren't president, the world would be torn to pieces."

Trump's remark comes hours after he told the New York Post that additional talks between the United States and Iran could take place within the next two days.

In a phone interview with The Post, Trump noted that discussions were already underway but progressing slowly and suggested that a second round of direct negotiations to end the seven-week conflict might be held somewhere in Europe.

However, in a follow-up call about 30 minutes later, he indicated a possible shift in venue, suggesting Islamabad as a more likely location for the talks.

"Talks could be happening over the next two days," Trump told The Post.

"You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we're more inclined to go there," Trump added, indicating Islamabad.

Meanwhile, according to CNN, citing sources familiar with the matter, Washington is currently weighing a possible second round of negotiations with Iran, with US Vice President JD Vance again likely to lead the American delegation, with Islamabad again emerging as a probable venue.

Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, who have headed diplomatic talks since before the war began, are also expected to attend any possible second meeting, the sources said, quoted by CNN.

Trump has entrusted his three senior advisers with the responsibility of exploring a diplomatic pathway to end the ongoing hostilities. Vance, Witkoff and Kushner have remained in contact with Iranian officials and intermediaries following the 21-hour round of discussions as part of efforts to move closer to a potential agreement.

However, officials are still deliberating over the specifics of a second round, and no final decision has been taken.

"Future talks are under discussion, but nothing has been scheduled at this time," a US official said, quoted by CNN. (ANI)