Washington

In a notable diplomatic move ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline, US President Donald Trump has appealed to Iran’s leadership to release eight women reportedly facing execution, presenting the step as a potential confidence-building measure before fresh talks.

In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump referred to claims shared by social media activist Eyal Yakoby, who alleged that eight women in Iran were at risk of imminent execution and circulated their photographs online.

Addressing Iranian authorities directly, Trump said he would “greatly appreciate” the release of the women, suggesting that such an action could set a constructive tone for upcoming negotiations. He urged Tehran to ensure their safety, describing it as a positive opening gesture ahead of dialogue between the two sides.

The appeal comes as US Vice President JD Vance and an American delegation prepare for talks with Iranian representatives in Islamabad, Pakistan, amid heightened regional tensions.

The situation remains fluid as a fragile two-week ceasefire, brokered on April 8, is due to expire on Wednesday. While diplomatic attention has shifted to Islamabad, uncertainty persists over Iran’s participation.

According to reports by Axios, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has authorised a delegation to travel for the talks, indicating a possible willingness to engage. However, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB has denied that any official team has departed for Pakistan, underscoring mixed signals from Tehran.

Despite the conflicting statements, sources in Islamabad suggest that delegations from both countries are expected to arrive around the same time, with Pakistani authorities making extensive security and logistical arrangements.

Separate reports, citing senior Pakistani officials, indicate that the anticipated discussions could focus on a broad framework aimed at reducing tensions, including issues such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing of sanctions, and a long-term resolution to the ongoing 2026 conflict.

Even as diplomatic efforts continue, rhetoric from both sides remains firm. Trump has warned of severe consequences if the ceasefire lapses without progress, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has maintained that Tehran will not engage in talks under pressure.

Amid this backdrop, the international community is watching closely for confirmation of direct engagement in Islamabad. Any move by Iran to release the eight women could be seen as an early humanitarian gesture in a crisis that has pushed both nations to the edge of a wider confrontation.

Washington, DC [US], April 21 (ANI): In a notable diplomatic move ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline, US President Donald Trump has appealed to Iran’s leadership to release eight women reportedly facing execution, presenting the step as a potential confidence-building measure before fresh talks.

In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump referred to claims shared by social media activist Eyal Yakoby, who alleged that eight women in Iran were at risk of imminent execution and circulated their photographs online.

Addressing Iranian authorities directly, Trump said he would “greatly appreciate” the release of the women, suggesting that such an action could set a constructive tone for upcoming negotiations. He urged Tehran to ensure their safety, describing it as a positive opening gesture ahead of dialogue between the two sides.

The appeal comes as US Vice President JD Vance and an American delegation prepare for talks with Iranian representatives in Islamabad, Pakistan, amid heightened regional tensions.

The situation remains fluid as a fragile two-week ceasefire, brokered on April 8, is due to expire on Wednesday. While diplomatic attention has shifted to Islamabad, uncertainty persists over Iran’s participation.

According to reports by Axios, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has authorised a delegation to travel for the talks, indicating a possible willingness to engage. However, Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB has denied that any official team has departed for Pakistan, underscoring mixed signals from Tehran.

Despite the conflicting statements, sources in Islamabad suggest that delegations from both countries are expected to arrive around the same time, with Pakistani authorities making extensive security and logistical arrangements.

Separate reports, citing senior Pakistani officials, indicate that the anticipated discussions could focus on a broad framework aimed at reducing tensions, including issues such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing of sanctions, and a long-term resolution to the ongoing 2026 conflict.

Even as diplomatic efforts continue, rhetoric from both sides remains firm. Trump has warned of severe consequences if the ceasefire lapses without progress, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has maintained that Tehran will not engage in talks under pressure.

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Amid this backdrop, the international community is watching closely for confirmation of direct engagement in Islamabad. Any move by Iran to release the eight women could be seen as an early humanitarian gesture in a crisis that has pushed both nations to the edge of a wider confrontation.