President Donald Trump says there will be a new round of peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan this week, but some details have not been worked out -- such as whether Iran will even have representatives there.
The New York Post reported on Sunday that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the US negotiators, but The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that Vice President J. D. Vance will lead the talks, which are set to begin in Pakistan on Tuesday.
President Trump then told ABC News Sunday that Vance will not be able to go because the Secret Service said it will not be able to prepare his security detail on just 24 hours' notice.
It also appears Iran will not participate in the talks, according to its state news agency.
President Trump said envoy Witkoff is scheduled to leave Washington on Monday to make it to Islamabad, Pakistan, in time to prepare for the talks, even though there is no confirmation of attendance from Iran.
But the president again stated that if Iran does not negotiate in good faith about nuclear enrichment, missiles and its de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, he will again prepare the US military to begin striking essential infrastructure in Iran, such as power plants and bridges.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that the US military is preparing to start confronting Iranian-related ships, including oil tankers, at all locations including international waters, with intention of seizing the ships and inspecting them.
Indeed, the US Navy ordered an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel on Sunday to surrender, and when it refused the US "blew a hole" in the vessel, President Trump said in a social media post Sunday, adding that he's looking forward to finding out what's on board that ship.
Meantime, oil prices are rising on Monday morning, to nearly $90 a barrel.