Iran Refuses to Send Delegation to Pakistan Until US Lifts Strait of Hormuz Blockade, WSJ Reports
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Conflict
Iran has informed mediators that it will not dispatch a delegation for a second round of peace talks in Islamabad until the United States lifts its naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing officials familiar with the discussions . The condition has effectively frozen the diplomatic process, with Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Pakistan suspended indefinitely.
“As soon as they lift the blockade, the next negotiations will be held in Islamabad. Iran is prepared for any scenario.” — Amir-Saeid Iravani, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations
The Sticking Point: Blockade First, Then Talks
According to WSJ sources, Iranian officials had initially indicated they would send a delegation to Pakistan on Tuesday for the next round of talks. However, this position shifted as the ceasefire deadline approached, with Tehran’s negotiators informing mediators that the US must first remove restrictions on Iranian maritime access .
Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani explicitly linked the two issues, stating that the United States must stop what he called “cease-fire violations” before further negotiations can occur .
This condition has created a classic “chicken-or-egg” standoff. The Trump administration has refused to lift the blockade, with President Trump declaring that the blockade “will not end until there is a ‘DEAL'” and that he would not “open it until the agreement is signed” . The White House maintains that the blockade is a pressure tactic to force economic compliance, while Tehran views it as an “act of war” that must be lifted as a precondition for diplomacy .
Confusion Over Iranian Participation
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Iran’s intentions. Iranian state media has denied that any delegation has departed for Islamabad, with a representative of Iran’s foreign ministry stating there were “no plans for a second round of negotiations” .
A source close to the Iranian delegation told Axios that Tehran’s negotiating team has faced significant pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to take a harder line, insisting that “unless the US ends the blockade, there will be no negotiations” . This internal division within Iran’s leadership—between President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has signaled openness to diplomacy, and hardline IRGC factions—has contributed to the diplomatic paralysis .
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly criticized the US approach on social media, stating that “the recent signals from U.S. officials are unconstructive and contradictory” and that “this approach eventually contains a message to get Iran’s surrender.” He added that “the Iranian people will never give in to coercion or compulsion” .
Ceasefire Extended, But Talks Stalled
President Trump extended the fragile two-week ceasefire at Pakistan’s request earlier this week, giving Iran time to formulate a “unified proposal” for negotiations. However, the extension has not resolved the core impasse over the blockade .
Trump had initially warned that he was “highly unlikely” to extend the truce and that “lots of bombs” would fall if no deal was reached. However, he ultimately accepted Pakistan’s request to extend the ceasefire, citing a “seriously fractured” Iranian government that needed more time to come up with a unified position .
The ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan and announced on April 7, took effect on April 8 and was explicitly conditioned on Iran’s agreement to the “COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING” of the Strait of Hormuz — a condition Iran has never met. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports, imposed on April 13, has remained in effect throughout .
Vance Trip Suspended
Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Islamabad for the second round of talks has been suspended indefinitely. According to WSJ sources, “the decision was made because Iran wouldn’t commit to meeting” .
Air Force Two had been waiting to depart from Joint Base Andrews, and Pakistani intermediaries had told the US side they expected the Iranian delegation to travel to Islamabad. However, as the deadline approached, Iran’s position hardened .
Trump continued meetings at the White House with Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner to review response options. Aides confirmed that Iran’s government was divided and that hardliners were unwilling to accept US demands .
The Broader Stalemate: Iraq Pressure Campaign
The impasse with Iran is part of a broader US pressure campaign across the region. The Trump administration has also escalated pressure on Baghdad, blocking a $500 million shipment of US dollars to Iraq and suspending key security cooperation programs to force the Iraqi government to rein in Iran-backed militias operating within its borders .
According to WSJ reporting, the US Treasury Department recently blocked a cargo plane shipment carrying nearly $500 million in US banknotes destined for Iraq’s central bank. Simultaneously, Washington informed Baghdad it is suspending funding for certain counter-terrorism and military training programs until attacks by Iran-backed groups cease .
This dual pressure campaign—against both Tehran and Baghdad—reflects the administration’s determination to curb Iranian influence across the Middle East, even as diplomatic efforts with Iran remain frozen.
What Comes Next
As the ceasefire extension continues, several critical questions remain:
| Factor | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire | Extended; no expiration announced |
| Iran’s Condition | Blockade must be lifted before talks |
| US Position | Blockade remains until deal |
| Iranian Delegation | Will not travel to Islamabad |
| US Delegation | Vance trip suspended |
| Diplomatic Process | Frozen, awaiting Iranian proposal |
Trump and his team have chosen a middle course: keep pressure on Iran while leaving the door open to negotiations until Iran presents a specific proposal . The United States is expected to maintain existing pressure measures, including the maritime blockade, while watching for a possible return to talks.
Iran’s UN Ambassador Iravani summarized Tehran’s position: “As soon as they lift the blockade, the next negotiations will be held in Islamabad. Iran is prepared for any scenario” .
The ball, it seems, remains in Washington’s court—but the White House has shown no willingness to make the first move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What condition did Iran set for returning to peace talks?
Iran has informed mediators that it will not send a delegation to Islamabad until the United States lifts its naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz .
2. Has the US agreed to lift the blockade?
No. President Trump has stated that the blockade “will not end until there is a ‘DEAL'” and that he would not “open it until the agreement is signed” .
3. Is the ceasefire still in effect?
Yes. President Trump extended the ceasefire at Pakistan’s request. It remains in effect, though no new expiration date has been announced .
4. Why was Vice President Vance’s trip to Pakistan suspended?
Vance’s trip was suspended because Iran would not commit to meeting. The decision was made as Tehran hardened its position, insisting the blockade be lifted first .
5. What is Iran’s internal position on negotiations?
Iran’s government is divided. President Pezeshkian has signaled openness to diplomacy, but hardline factions within the IRGC are pressuring negotiators to take a tougher stance, refusing talks unless the US ends the blockade .
6. What is the status of the naval blockade?
The US naval blockade of Iranian ports, imposed on April 13, remains in effect. Trump has directed the military to continue the blockade .
7. Could the ceasefire still lead to a deal?
Trump and his team have left the door open to negotiations, awaiting a “unified proposal” from Iran. However, with Iran refusing to send a delegation and the US unwilling to lift the blockade, the diplomatic process remains frozen .
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