President Donald Trump outlined his expectations on Friday ahead of planned negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad, making clear that Washington’s primary demand remains preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Speaking to reporters before the talks, Trump was asked whether the upcoming meeting would be a one-time effort or the beginning of a longer diplomatic process. He indicated that the outcome would determine the path forward.

“I have to see what happens tomorrow. They’ve been talking for 47 years with other Presidents – and we’re not doing much talking.”

When pressed on what he would consider a successful agreement, Trump emphasized a single overriding objective.

“No nuclear weapon, number one. I think it has already been regime change – we never had that as a criteria. No nuclear weapon – that is 99% of it,” he said.

Reporter: What does a good deal look like for you?

Trump: No nuclear weapon, number one. I think it has already been regime change—we never had that as a criteria.

No nuclear weapon—that is 99% of it. pic.twitter.com/IGp4Qvvqvw

— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 10, 2026

Trump also addressed the ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed by Iran since the escalation in hostilities. He expressed optimism that the key shipping route would soon reopen, adding that other nations are working toward that outcome.

Earlier Friday, an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad for the negotiations, according to Iranian media outlets.

Reports indicated that Tehran is conditioning the start of talks on Washington agreeing to certain demands.

Ghalibaf previously identified two requirements that he said “must be fulfilled before negotiations begin”: a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iranian funds that have been frozen abroad.

In a social media statement, he asserted that both points had already been settled in principle but had not yet been carried out, saying they were “mutually agreed upon between the parties” but had “yet to be implemented.”

Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation, cautioned Iran against attempting to manipulate the talks.

“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand,” Vance told reporters before taking off for Islamabad from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

He added that any attempt at deception would be met with a firm response.

“if they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.”

{Matzav.com}