After Iranian refusal
The first round of talks in Islamabad earlier this month lasted up to 21 hours but ended without a deal, with Vance stating that Iran refused to accept key U.S. demands, particularly regarding its nuclear enrichment activities and forgoing any path to a nuclear weapon
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Islamabad for a second round of peace talks with Iran has been delayed amid uncertainty over Iran’s participation and as a fragile two-week ceasefire between the two countries nears its expiration.
The truce, which began around April 8, 2026, is set to expire on Wednesday evening, with President Donald Trump warning of resumed military action—including potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure—if no agreement is reached. Vance was expected to depart Washington early Tuesday to lead the U.S. delegation, which may include special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, for negotiations hosted by Pakistan in its capital. However, the departure has been put on hold for additional policy meetings at the White House after Iran failed to fully commit to sending a delegation or responding to the latest U.S. positions.
The first round of talks in Islamabad earlier this month lasted up to 21 hours but ended without a deal, with Vance stating that Iran refused to accept key U.S. demands, particularly regarding its nuclear enrichment activities and forgoing any path to a nuclear weapon. Sticking points now include the ongoing U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and recent incidents such as the seizure of an Iranian-linked cargo ship, which Tehran has cited as contradictory signals and a potential ceasefire violation. Iran has indicated it will not negotiate under pressure or until certain conditions, like lifting aspects of the blockade, are met, while Pakistani mediators continue to urge both sides to engage.
As of Tuesday evening, Vance remained in Washington, and no Iranian delegation has been confirmed to be heading to Islamabad, leaving the fate of the talks—and the ceasefire—uncertain just hours before the deadline. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility that the trip could resume quickly if diplomatic channels advance, though tensions in the region and market reactions to the uncertainty continue to mount. Official updates from the White House, Tehran, or Pakistani officials are expected to provide further clarity in the coming hours.
