Iran Denies Sending Delegation to Pakistan for US Talks, Calls Media Reports ‘Baseless’
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Conflict
Iran has officially denied that any Iranian delegation has traveled to Pakistan for a second round of negotiations with the United States, dismissing media reports to the contrary as “baseless.” The statement comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the future of the fragile two-week ceasefire, which is set to expire on April 22, 2026 .
“So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation; primary or secondary.” — Iranian State TV
The denial follows earlier reports suggesting that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had approved a second round of talks and that a delegation would be dispatched . Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also stated that “for now, there is no plan for the next talks,” adding that Iran “will not accept deadlines or ultimatums” to protect its national interests .
Iran’s Conditions for Returning to Talks
Tehran has made clear that its absence from a second round stems from what it calls Washington’s “excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire” .
Iranian officials have also pointed to the US seizure of the Iranian cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman as a violation of the ceasefire . The vessel, which was carrying chemicals used to manufacture ballistic missile fuel, was disabled by US Navy gunfire and boarded by Marines after failing to comply with warnings.
“The United States’ so-called ‘blockade’ of Iran’s ports or coastline is not only a violation of Pakistani-mediated ceasefire but also both unlawful and criminal.” — Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation in the first round of talks, has warned that Iran “will not accept negotiations under the shadow of threat,” adding that Tehran has “prepared to unveil new cards on the battlefield” over the past two weeks .
Conflicting Reports on US Delegation
While Iran denies sending a delegation, reports indicate that the US delegation was prepared to travel to Islamabad. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that US representatives “are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — they will be there tomorrow evening for negotiations” .
According to Axios, Vice President JD Vance planned to depart for Pakistan by the morning of April 21, accompanied by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, but remained in the United States until Iran responded . Some reports suggested Vance would leave after receiving a “green light” from Iran’s supreme leader — a signal that has not yet materialized .
Ceasefire Expiration Looms
The two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, which took effect on April 7, is set to expire on April 22, 2026, at 8 pm EST . The truce was explicitly conditioned on Iran’s agreement to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING” of the Strait of Hormuz — a condition Iran has not met .
| Ceasefire Element | Status |
|---|---|
| Duration | Two weeks (announced April 7) |
| Time remaining | Expires April 22 |
| Direct US-Iran hostilities | Paused |
| Strait of Hormuz | Largely restricted; Iran maintains control |
| Diplomatic talks | Second round stalled; Iran denies delegation |
The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad, held on April 11 and 12, ended without an agreement but also without a complete breakdown . The talks, mediated by Pakistan, were described by Iranian officials as having produced “partial consensus” on several points, with differences remaining on “two to three key issues” including the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and the nuclear program .
Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts
Despite Iran’s denial, Pakistan remains confident in its ability to facilitate a second round of talks. A senior Pakistani government official told Reuters that Islamabad has “received a positive signal from Iran” and is actively engaged with both Tehran and Washington as the ceasefire deadline approaches .
“Things are fluid but we are trying that they should be here when we start the talks tomorrow or a day after.” — Senior Pakistani Government Official
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has previously expressed gratitude to both sides for their willingness to negotiate and urged them to uphold the ceasefire .
What Comes Next
As the April 22 deadline approaches, several scenarios are possible:
| Scenario | Likelihood | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Ceasefire extended without deal | Possible | Temporary pause continues |
| Iran agrees to send delegation | Uncertain | Talks could resume in Islamabad |
| Ceasefire expires; hostilities resume | Elevated | Both sides preparing |
| Third-party mediation intensifies | Possible | Russia or China could step in |
Iran’s denial of sending a delegation represents a significant diplomatic setback. However, the fluid nature of the situation — with conflicting reports and ongoing Pakistani mediation efforts — suggests that the door to diplomacy has not been completely closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Has Iran sent a delegation to Pakistan for talks with the US?
No. Iran has officially denied that any delegation has departed for Islamabad, calling media reports to the contrary “baseless” .
2. Why is Iran refusing to send a delegation?
Iran cites Washington’s “excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire” .
3. Is the ceasefire still in effect?
Yes, the two-week ceasefire remains in effect but is set to expire on April 22, 2026 .
4. Will there be a second round of talks?
Uncertain. Iran has not committed to sending a delegation, though Pakistan remains confident it can facilitate talks .
5. What happened in the first round of talks?
The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad took place on April 11 and 12, ending without an agreement. Iranian officials said “partial consensus” was reached on several points, with differences remaining on two to three key issues .
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