-- US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post on Monday, said his Iran stance is rooted in preventing nuclear weapons, rejecting claims that Israel influenced his position.
Trump said, "Israel never talked me into the war with Iran, the results of Oct. 7th, added to my lifelong opinion that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon."
He criticized media coverage, arguing that polling data is "rigged," comparing it to the 2020 election.
Trump added, "just like the results in Venezuela... the results in Iran will be amazing."
He added that "if Iran's new leaders... are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future," pointing to potential economic gains under new leadership.
The US and Iran were reportedly set to hold talks in Islamabad as early as Monday, though Iran's participation remains uncertain after the US seized an Iranian-flagged vessel, adding to rising tensions and mixed signals from both sides.
US Vice President JD Vance, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are reportedly set to represent the US in the talks.
Iran has reportedly made no final decision on joining negotiations, raising doubts over diplomatic progress as the blockade and military actions continue to strain ceasefire conditions, reports said.
Iran's Foreign Ministry on Sunday criticized the US naval blockade, citing violations of international law in a post on X.
The ministry said, "The United States' so-called 'blockade' of Iran's ports or coastline is not only a violation of Pakistani-mediated ceasefire but also both unlawful and criminal."
Tensions rose after Trump said an Iranian-flagged cargo ship "tried to get past our naval blockade," adding the USS Spruance intercepted it and "gave them fair warning to stop" in the Gulf of Oman.
Trump said the crew "refused to listen," after which the destroyer "stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room," adding that US Marines "have custody of the vessel."
US Central Command on Monday said it has redirected 27 vessels since enforcing the blockade on Iranian routes.
The post said, "Since the commencement of the blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, US forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port."
In a Sunday post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated his stance that if Iran does not agree to the peace deal, the US "is going to knock out every single power plant, and every single bridge, in Iran."