U.S. presidential advisor says Trump is "preparing for negotiations while clenching his fist"

On the 24th, according to the U.S. side, U.S. and Israeli officials said that U.S. President Trump is preparing simultaneously for diplomacy with Iran and for a military escalation. Even if the United States holds talks with Iran, the U.S. and Israel also plan to carry out two to three more weeks of military strikes against Iran. According to a White House official, that day Trump instructed Defense Secretary Hegseth to maintain military pressure on Iran. Not long afterward, Hegseth told reporters at the White House, “We come to negotiate with bombs.” And a Trump adviser said, “Trump is reaching out to prepare for talks with one hand and clenching his fist with the other, ready to slap you in the face at any moment.” It is said that the White House has conveyed messages to Iran, “showing that Trump is serious about negotiations,” and also mentioned that Vice President Vance may take part in the talks. “U.S. President’s special envoy Wittekopf recommends Vance because of the importance of his position, and because Iranians believe he is not a hawk.” Meanwhile, on the 23rd, Iran received a ceasefire agreement containing 15 points from the United States through a mediator. The United States hopes to use this agreement as a package for discussion, covering topics such as ending the fighting, opening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions on Iran, and obtaining assurances regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, missile programs, and support for “proxies.” It is claimed that the United States hopes to hold face-to-face negotiations with Iran on the 26th in Pakistan. A White House official said, “Trump is optimistic about the talks and believes it is possible to hold negotiations in Pakistan, but nothing has been confirmed yet.” A person with knowledge of the matter said that Iranian officials have informed Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey—countries trying to mediate U.S.-Iran talks—that Iran has “been deceived by Trump twice,” and “we don’t want to be fooled again.” Iranian officials said that Trump’s decision to send additional troops and related military deployments deepened their suspicions, and that so-called negotiations are nothing more than a smokescreen. (CCTV News)