Iran Yet to Decide on Joining US Talks in Pakistan as Ceasefire Deadline Looms
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Conflict
Iran has confirmed that it has not yet made a decision on whether to participate in a second round of negotiations with the United States in Pakistan, as the fragile two-week ceasefire brokered by Islamabad approaches its expiration. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told Iranian state TV on Tuesday that Tehran is still weighing its options amid what it characterizes as US “violations” of the existing truce .
The announcement comes as Pakistan awaits a formal response from Tehran regarding its participation in the “Islamabad Peace Talks,” with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stating that no confirmation had been received as of Tuesday evening .
‘Piracy at Sea and State Terrorism’
Baghaei struck a defiant tone in his remarks, questioning Washington’s seriousness about pursuing diplomacy. He specifically cited recent US actions against two Iranian vessels, describing them as “piracy at sea and state terrorism” .
The spokesperson said Iran’s decision to potentially join the talks depends on a “change in the behavior and positions of the Americans,” adding that Tehran has not forgotten the US’s “bad faith” and “record of broken promises” .
His comments reflect a deep-seated mistrust that has persisted throughout the conflict. Iranian officials have pointed to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, and delays in implementing a ceasefire in Lebanon as “clear violations of the ceasefire” .
Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts Intensify
Pakistan continues to press both sides to return to the negotiating table. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has urged the US and Iran to “consider extending the ceasefire and give dialogue and diplomacy a chance,” according to a Foreign Office statement .
In a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Dar “underscored Pakistan’s consistent emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to address challenges and achieve lasting regional peace and stability” .
Pakistan’s mediation efforts are facing a tight deadline. According to Information Minister Tarar, the current ceasefire is set to expire at 4:50am PST on April 22. “A decision from Iran to attend the talks before the end of the two-week ceasefire is critical,” he said .
The Core Obstacles to a Deal
Even if both sides agree to meet, significant hurdles remain. The core issues separating Washington and Tehran include:
- Strait of Hormuz: The US demands immediate, full reopening of the strategic waterway, while Iran insists this can only happen after a final peace agreement is reached
- Nuclear Program: The US seeks a 20-year halt to uranium enrichment; Iran has offered only 5 years
- Enriched Uranium Stockpile: The US demands that Iran transfer its estimated 400-440 kg of 60% enriched uranium out of the country; Iran calls this “unacceptable”
- Naval Blockade: Iran insists the US blockade must be lifted before talks; Washington says the blockade will continue until a deal is reached
Trump’s Ultimatum
President Donald Trump has set a hard deadline, telling broadcaster CNBC that he does not want to extend the ceasefire. “We don’t have that much time,” Trump said, warning that if no deal is struck soon, “lots of bombs” will begin to fall .
Trump expressed confidence in the US negotiating position, stating: “We’re going to end up with a great deal. I think they have no choice… We’re in a very, very strong negotiating position” .
He also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire “numerous times,” pointing to Iranian military actions in the Strait of Hormuz .
What Comes Next
As the Wednesday deadline approaches, Pakistan continues its diplomatic push to bring both sides back to the table. However, with Iran’s decision still pending and the US maintaining its blockade and military posture, the window for diplomacy is rapidly closing .
| Factor | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire Expiration | April 22, 2026 (4:50am PST) |
| Iran’s Decision | Not yet made |
| US Delegation | Prepared to travel |
| Trump’s Position | Will not extend; bombing if no deal |
| Iran’s Conditions | End to blockade; respect for Iranian rights |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Has Iran agreed to attend the talks in Pakistan?
No. Iran has confirmed that it has not yet decided whether to participate. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran is still weighing its options .
2. What conditions has Iran set for attending the talks?
Iran’s decision depends on a “change in the behavior and positions of the Americans,” including an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and respect for Iranian rights .
3. When does the current ceasefire expire?
The two-week ceasefire is set to expire at 4:50am PST on April 22, 2026 .
4. What has President Trump said about extending the ceasefire?
Trump has stated that he does not want to extend the ceasefire and warned that “lots of bombs” will begin to fall if no deal is reached by the deadline .
5. What are the main obstacles to a deal?
Key sticking points include control of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and the US naval blockade of Iranian ports .
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