ISLAMABAD: Efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have stalled after Tehran refused to participate in planned negotiations, dealing a setback to mediation attempts led by Pakistan.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, proposed talks aimed at securing a 48-hour ceasefire reached a dead end after Iran declined to meet US officials in Islamabad. Tehran reportedly conveyed to mediators that Washington’s demands were unacceptable.
Furthermore, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency confirmed that Tehran rejected a US proposal delivered through a third country. As a result, ongoing diplomatic efforts by regional intermediaries have failed to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump maintained that discussions with Iran were progressing positively, although he did not provide details. However, Iranian officials have consistently denied engaging in direct negotiations under Pakistan-facilitated initiatives.
In a statement shared by Iran’s consulate in Mumbai, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei reiterated that no direct talks with the US had taken place. He added that Tehran had only received “excessive and unreasonable” demands through intermediaries.
Additionally, Baghaei said Iran reviewed a 15-point proposal from the Trump administration but dismissed it as unrealistic and unacceptable. He also clarified that while regional calls for peace were welcomed, Iran did not participate in forums organised by Pakistan.
Consequently, the collapse of these talks underscores widening gaps between the two sides, complicating efforts to de-escalate the nearly five-week-long conflict and raising concerns about further escalation in the region.
