Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif (2nd from R) greets Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (2nd from L), Islamabad, April 11, 2026
EA on International Outlets: A Fragile US-Iran Ceasefire
During US-Iran talks in Islamabad on Saturday, I spoke with international outlets about the prospects for an end to the US-Israel Wars on Iran and Lebanon.
I emphasized that the meeting in Pakistan was “talks about talks” rather than pursuit of a deal, given the gap between Iran’s 10-point proposal and an earlier 15-point US ultimatum. The best outcome would be an agreement for further discussions and an extension of the two-week ceasefire, which expires on April 21.
I review the key issues, including Iran’s ballistic and missile programs, its links with groups across the Middle East, and Tehran’s demands for an end of sanctions and compensation for war damage. I point to the priority for the US of ending Iran’s leverage with control of the Strait of Hormuz.
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In a 17-minute chat, I analyze the chaotic shift of an angry and frustrated Donald Trump from “Iranian civilization will die tonight” to acceptance of talks with Tehran.
I consider why the US media “normalize” Trump’s crazed outbursts as a supposed diplomatic strategy:
At some point you have to hold your hand up, if you’re a proper analyst or journalist, and say, “No, you don’t bring in a false equivalence to say there is some logic that didn’t exist in the first place.”
There is no logic here. There is just the ranting of a man who probably does have mental issues — and happens to be President of the United States.
I explain the 25th Amendment, which could remove Trump from office, and why it is unlikely to be used.
I consider the relationship between the Trump Administration and Israel’s Netanyahu Government. Then I go in depth into the talks in Islamabad.
I also explain how and why Melania Trump made an unexpected statement about the scandal of the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, “setting herself at a distance from her husband”.
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I joined a panel to evaluate the positions of the Trump Administration and the Iranian regime, why these are “talks about talks”, and how there is still no clear agenda for discussions.
Watch from 2:46:
