Iran denies sending delegation to Pakistan for second round of US talks

Tehran has dismissed reports of renewed diplomatic contact with Washington. Iran's state-run broadcaster IRIB issued a firm denial on Tuesday, stating that no Iranian representatives—neither principal nor auxiliary—have journeyed to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with American officials. The clarification follows widespread speculation in international media about imminent talks.

IRIB characterized reports suggesting delegations would arrive Monday evening or Tuesday morning as entirely unfounded. This emphatic rejection underscores the fragility of the diplomatic channel established through Pakistani mediation earlier this month.

Conditions for dialogue remain unchanged

Iranian officials reiterated their stance on Sunday evening, emphasizing that any continuation of negotiations hinges upon a fundamental shift in American conduct. Tehran maintains its position that diplomatic engagement cannot proceed while Washington maintains what Iranian authorities describe as coercive pressure.

The insistence on threat-free negotiations reflects Iran's broader approach to bilateral relations with the United States, where Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior diplomats have historically resisted talks perceived as occurring under duress.

Pakistan's mediation efforts face uncertainty

Islamabad facilitated the initial US-Iran discussions on April 11-12 following its successful brokering of a 14-day ceasefire that took effect April 8. That truce, which temporarily halted hostilities that erupted February 28, is scheduled to expire Wednesday.

Pakistani authorities continue working to arrange follow-up discussions, though prospects appear increasingly doubtful given both Tehran's public position and Washington's hardened posture.

Trump signals no ceasefire extension

President Donald Trump has indicated minimal likelihood of prolonging the temporary truce. The American leader confirmed that naval blockade measures will persist indefinitely until a comprehensive agreement permanently concluding the conflict is secured.

This position leaves limited room for the de-escalation Pakistani mediators had sought to cultivate, potentially returning the region to heightened tensions as the ceasefire deadline approaches.