Trump warns China of ‘big problems’ as Iran-US talks stretch into night (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

The Iranian, US, and Pakistani negotiators are reportedly meeting face-to-face

High-level talks involving the Iranian, US and Pakistani delegations in Islamabad are continuing into Saturday night, as President Donald Trump opened another line of pressure by warning that China would face “big problems” if it sent weapons to Iran.

The US president made the threat after being asked about anonymously sourced CNN reports alleging possible Chinese arms deliveries to Tehran, claims Beijing has denied.

Trump also struck a triumphant tone the high-stakes negotiations with Iran continued into the third round, saying the US had already secured victory "regardless of what happens" at the talks.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is leading the Iranian side in Islamabad, while US Vice President J.D. Vance heads the American team.

Iran has arrived at the talks with a message of deep mistrust, with Ghalibaf saying Tehran had goodwill despite the US attacking Iran “twice within less than a year” in the middle of negotiations. Vance struck a similar tone, saying earlier that he expected productive talks while warning Iran not to “play” the US.

Key developments:

• Talks have hit a “stalemate” over which power will control the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran insisting that it can charge a toll through the key waterway, according to the Financial Times.

• Trump has summed up what a good deal with Iran looks like, saying: “No nuclear weapon. That’s 99% of it,” while adding that the Strait of Hormuz “will open automatically.”

• Iran’s team reflects how broadly Tehran is framing the negotiations, reaching far beyond a narrow nuclear discussion. Alongside Ghalibaf are Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is heading the political track; Abdolnaser Hemmati, leading the economic side; Ali Akbar Ahmadian, overseeing the military file; and Esmaeil Baqaei, handling legal matters.

• The US side appears narrower, with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also expected in Islamabad, although public reporting has offered few confirmed details about the delegation’s composition.
  
  
• Israeli strikes have reportedly killed at least 2020 people in Lebanon since 2 March, including more than 300 killed in Wednesday’s bombardment after the fragile ceasefire was announced.

Follow our live coverage below for continuous updates. You can also read our previous updates here.