Trump hints at mass pardons as Iran talks collapse

US President Donald Trump has signaled the possibility of issuing mass pardons at the end of his term. He reportedly stated, "I’ll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval [Office]," during a recent meeting, which elicited laughter from attendees. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the report, saying, "The Wall Street Journal should learn to take a joke. However, the president’s pardon power is absolute."

In Islamabad, Vice President JD Vance announced the failure of US-Iran negotiations after a 21-hour marathon of talks. Vance noted that one of the significant sticking points was Iran's nuclear weapons development, stating, "The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America." Iran's Tasnim news agency attributed the breakdown to "excessive" US demands.

Trump's potential mass pardons could consolidate his support among loyalists, particularly as he prepares for the end of his presidency. This move may also serve to reinforce his political base, providing a sense of security to those close to him. On the other hand, the failure of the Iran negotiations exposes the limitations of US diplomatic leverage in the region, particularly as Iran continues to resist American terms regarding nuclear development.

What to watch: The upcoming decisions regarding Trump's pardons and any subsequent actions from Iran following the failed negotiations.