Iran has rejected plans for a second round of peace talks with the United States, according to a report by the Islamic Republic News Agency. The decision marks a setback for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions as a fragile ceasefire nears its end.
The agency cited several reasons for Tehran’s rejection, including what it described as Washington’s “excessive demands,” unrealistic expectations, position changes, repeated disagreements and the ongoing naval blockade.
Contradiction with the US position
The development comes shortly after US President Donald Trump said a new round of negotiations would take place. “My representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan – they will be there tomorrow night for negotiations,” he said on Truth Social.
A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was expected to go to Islamabad for the talks.
Iran’s refusal now casts doubt on whether the planned discussions will continue at all.
Rising rhetoric from Washington
Tensions have escalated in recent days, with Trump issuing strong warnings to Tehran. He said the United States could target key infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if Iran did not agree to what he called a “reasonable deal.”
The remarks signal a hardening stance by Washington, even as diplomatic channels remain open, underscoring the fragile nature of the current situation.
A two-week truce between the US and Iran expires on Wednesday.
Although the truce is largely in place, tensions have risen in recent days after Iran reversed its decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accused the US naval blockade of violating the truce.
And Trump accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guards of violating the ceasefire, claiming the force opened fire on ships passing through the waterway, including a French vessel and a UK-flagged cargo ship.
The diplomatic standoff comes as a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran expires on Wednesday.
The armistice is approaching
The United States and Iran held their first direct talks in Islamabad on 11-12 in April in an attempt to end their conflict, but the discussions ended without a breakthrough. After a failed first round, Pakistan renewed diplomatic efforts to facilitate another round of negotiations aimed at reaching a possible agreement.
From April 15, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, while Chief of Defense Staff Asim Munir spent three days in Iran to reach consensus on key issues.
