The United States has paused Vice President JD Vance’s planned visit to Pakistan for a second round of talks with Iran after Tehran failed to respond to Washington’s proposals, a US official familiar with the matter said, according to The New York Times.
The development comes at a crucial moment, with the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran nearing its deadline and diplomatic efforts showing signs of strain. While backchannel talks could resume at short notice, Donald Trump has signalled reluctance to prolong the truce without progress towards a broader agreement.
Iran yet to decide on resuming talks
Iran has indicated it has not taken a final call on whether to return to negotiations with the United States. At the same time, conflicting signals have emerged over possible diplomatic engagement in Pakistan.
Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, dismissed reports of any delegation travelling to Islamabad.
“No Iranian diplomatic delegation – be it a primary or secondary team, or an initial or follow-up mission – has travelled to Islamabad, Pakistan so far,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
However, Al Arabiya, citing a senior Pakistani source, reported that delegations from both countries were expected to arrive in Islamabad, hinting at a possible breakthrough.
Trump extends ceasefire amid deadlock
Amid the uncertainty, Trump announced that the ceasefire would be extended, citing requests from Pakistan’s leadership and the need to give Iran time to present a unified negotiating position.
“Iran rejected the US conditions for negotiations; Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire!” IRIB reported.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal.”
He added, “I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Ceasefire violations add to tensions
A day earlier, Trump accused Iran of breaching the truce multiple times.
“Iran has violated the Cease Fire numerous times!” he said in another Truth Social post.
The ceasefire, brokered earlier this month to create space for diplomacy after over a month of hostilities in West Asia, has remained fragile, with both sides expressing reservations about its implementation.
With the truce deadline approaching, it remains unclear what course Washington and Tehran will take. While diplomatic channels remain open, Iran’s silence on US proposals and the pause in high-level engagement have cast doubt over immediate progress.