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Iranians suspect Trump's deal push could be cover for surprise US attack: Report
Iranian officials are reportedly skeptical of President Trump's push for a peace deal, fearing it could mask a surprise attack as talks in Islamabad approach. The report ties to statements from Tehran and the United States, with new negotiations and threats highlighted ahead of the dialogue.
Why It Matters
Tensions and distrust shape the diplomacy around a key round of talks and the risk of miscalculation amid ceasefire fragility.
Timeline
7 Events
April 20, 2026: US negotiators to be in Pakistan for second round
April 20, 2026
As the talks loom, the US team of negotiators was reported to be in Pakistan on Monday to participate in the fresh round of discussions in Islamabad.
April 19, 2026: Ceasefire set to expire soon
April 19, 2026
The report notes suspense over the future of the talks as a ceasefire is soon set to expire.
April 19, 2026: US officials to Islamabad this week
April 19, 2026
The article notes that Vice President JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner would head to Islamabad for talks this week.
April 19, 2026: Iran's IRNA/reported stance on participation in talks
April 19, 2026
IRNA cited Reuters reporting that Tehran has 'rejected' the participation in the second round of talks over US 'excessive demands'.
April 19, 2026: Trump posts threats on Truth Social about Iran
April 19, 2026
Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that without a deal, the US was 'going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!'
April 19, 2026: Axios reports Iran suspects Trump's deal push could be a trap
April 19, 2026
Axios reported on Sunday that Iranians suspect Trump's push for a deal could be a trap and a pretext for a surprise US attack, without naming any officials.
March 2026: Axios reports Iran tells negotiators it's not fooled by Trump's peace talks
March 2026
Axios reported that Iranians told negotiators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey that they were in no mood to be 'fooled', and that Trump's push for a peace deal was viewed as potentially a 'ruse' to restart conflict.