Islamabad: Iran has indicated it will not send negotiators to Pakistan for a new round of talks with the United States, casting serious doubt over Islamabad’s efforts to mediate a fragile ceasefire before its imminent expiry.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accused Washington of breaching the truce from the outset, pointing to the continued naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the recent US seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel. Tehran has termed the move “piracy” and warned of a proportional response to any further aggression.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that American representatives were heading to Islamabad for negotiations, while simultaneously issuing renewed threats against Iran’s infrastructure—further escalating tensions.
Pakistan, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, remains cautiously optimistic but acknowledges that recent developments have clouded prospects for dialogue. Islamabad had been preparing for extended negotiations aimed at securing a temporary agreement to prolong the ceasefire.
With just days remaining, the success of any diplomatic breakthrough now hinges on Iran’s participation, which remains uncertain amid rising military and political strain.
