On April 21, 2023, US President Donald Trump asserted that the United States is in a strong position in its ongoing conflict with Iran, claiming that American military actions have significantly weakened Tehran. He criticized media portrayals suggesting otherwise, stating that Iran is losing approximately $500 million daily due to the blockade. Trump's comments came ahead of a second round of diplomatic talks in Islamabad, which follow a previous 21-hour discussion that ended without an agreement. The high-level American negotiating team, including Vice President JD Vance and Jared Kushner, is set to engage with Iranian leaders as the ceasefire nears its expiration. The US maintains that a 'fair and reasonable' deal is possible, but Iran's refusal to negotiate under sanctions poses a significant challenge, raising concerns of potential escalation into full-scale conflict if talks fail.