Efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have reached a dead end, with Tehran refusing to engage in planned talks, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
“Current mediation efforts led by regional countries, including Pakistan, to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have reached a dead end,” the report said, underscoring a sharp setback in diplomatic attempts to ease tensions.
Iran has told mediators it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days and considers Washington’s demands unacceptable, the Journal reported. “Iran has officially told mediators that it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad and that US demands are unacceptable,” according to the report.
The refusal comes despite ongoing efforts by regional intermediaries to bring both sides to the negotiating table, with Pakistan playing a key role in facilitating dialogue.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s earlier offer to host talks between the United States and Iran now appears uncertain after mediation efforts failed to make progress.
Islamabad had said it was prepared to facilitate discussions, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noting the country would be “honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks.”
US President Donald Trump had also indicated that Washington was in discussions with Iran, saying “we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation,” though he offered no further details.
Iran had earlier rejected claims that it was participating in Pakistan-facilitated talks to end the ongoing conflict, saying it had no role in such efforts.
In a statement shared on X by its Consulate General in Mumbai, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there were no direct talks with the United States and that Tehran had only received “excessive and unreasonable demands” through intermediaries.
“Pakistan’s forums are their own; we didn’t participate,” the statement said, adding that while regional calls to end the war were welcome, “one must remember who started it.”
Baghaei also said Iran had received a 15-point proposal from Trump’s administration but described the plan as “excessive, unrealistic and irrational.”
The remarks add to uncertainty around diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan, suggesting that any potential engagement may not be direct and that prospects for talks remain unclear.
