Efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have stalled, as Tehran has refused to engage in planned talks, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Regional mediation efforts, led by countries including Pakistan, aimed at bringing the two sides together, have so far failed to produce results.
Iran has informed mediators that it will not meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days, calling Washington’s demands unacceptable. The Wall Street Journal report highlighted this refusal as a significant setback in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Despite attempts by regional intermediaries to facilitate dialogue, Pakistan’s offer to host talks now appears uncertain.
Pakistan had earlier expressed willingness to act as a neutral facilitator. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had said the country would be “honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks.” On the US side, President Donald Trump indicated that negotiations were ongoing, stating, “we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation,” without providing additional details.
Iran Rejects Mediation and US Proposal
Iran has clarified that it is not participating in Pakistan-facilitated talks. In a statement shared on X, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had only received “excessive and unreasonable demands” through intermediaries. He stressed, “Pakistan’s forums are their own; we didn’t participate,” and while regional calls to end the conflict are welcome, “one must remember who started it.”
Baghaei also referred to a 15-point proposal from the US administration, describing it as “excessive, unrealistic and irrational.” The remarks cast doubt on the prospects for direct engagement and add to uncertainty surrounding any future negotiations. Analysts say this indicates that while Pakistan may continue to play a role in regional diplomacy, a breakthrough in US-Iran talks appears unlikely in the near term.