Iran says no delegation has traveled to Pakistan for US talks as diplomatic uncertainty continues amid ceasefire concerns and ongoing backchannel efforts.
ISLAMABAD/DUBAI: Iran has denied reports that any delegation has traveled to Pakistan for a second round of talks with the United States, according to Iranian state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Tuesday.
The broadcaster stated that “no Iranian delegation has travelled to Islamabad — neither the main delegation nor any subsidiary group,” rejecting media reports suggesting that negotiations were scheduled in Pakistan earlier this week. IRIB described such claims as “untrue.”
Iranian officials, as cited by IRIB, said continued participation in any negotiation process would depend on changes in what they described as the United States’ behavior. They reiterated that Tehran would not engage in talks “under the shadow of threats.”
The diplomatic development comes as Pakistan has been involved in facilitating earlier discussions between United States and Iran. Islamabad previously hosted talks on April 11–12 following a 14-day ceasefire agreement reached on April 8, which is set to expire on Wednesday.
Efforts to arrange another round of negotiations in Islamabad remain ongoing, though uncertainty persists over participation and timing. The situation has drawn attention as regional diplomatic channels continue attempting to stabilize tensions.
US President Donald Trump has stated that it is “highly unlikely” the ceasefire will be extended, warning that a naval blockade will remain in place until a broader agreement is reached.
Separately, Iranian lawmaker Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani was cited by Mehr News Agency, stating that negotiations under current conditions were “not acceptable” and accusing Washington of making excessive demands. Mehr News Agency reported the remarks as reflecting growing political resistance within Iran.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad as early as Tuesday for high-level negotiations aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict, according to multiple US officials cited by Axios. Axios reported that senior envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, may also participate in the diplomatic effort.
The planned visit comes at a critical juncture, with the temporary ceasefire nearing expiration. US officials have warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in renewed military escalation targeting Iranian infrastructure.
While a comprehensive agreement within the current timeframe remains uncertain, officials suggest that deadlines could be extended if meaningful diplomatic progress is achieved.
Behind the scenes, US officials reportedly spent much of Monday awaiting confirmation of Iranian participation. Reports indicated internal delays within Tehran’s decision-making process, with pressure from influential groups, including elements within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, pushing for a tougher stance.
Diplomatic intermediaries from Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey reportedly worked to encourage Iranian participation in the talks. Approval for engagement was ultimately granted late Monday by Iran’s top leadership, though Tehran has now publicly denied that any delegation has traveled.
The situation underscores continuing volatility in regional diplomacy as efforts to secure a lasting agreement remain unresolved.
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