Diplomacy at deadlock: Iran refuses US outreach in Pakistan

TEHRAN: Despite the U.S. delegation’s return to Islamabad for a second round of peace talks, Iran has reiterated its refusal to participate, casting significant doubt on the future of the negotiations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaie stated today that no decision has been made for a new round of talks, alleging that the U.S. has shown no serious commitment to peace. Tehran cited the recent seizure of the Iranian cargo ship Touska and the ongoing naval blockade as direct violations of the current ceasefire agreement. While Pakistan continues its efforts to mediate and persuade Iran to rejoin the table, international reports suggest Iran’s current stance is increasingly unfavourable.

Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command confirmed that the naval blockade will persist, following Donald Trump’s earlier warnings that the country’s power plants and infrastructure would be targeted if a deal is not reached before Wednesday's ceasefire deadline.