Tehran is putting the brakes on planned visits to Islamabad, blaming America’s flip-flopping stance in the ongoing Iran-US tensions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai delivered the blunt message, pointing to mixed signals and hostile US behavior as deal-breakers for the second round of negotiations.
According to Tehran Times, Baghai stated unequivocally: ‘There are no current plans for Tehran to go to Islamabad, owing to contradictory messages, contradictory behavior, and unacceptable actions from the American side.’ This revelation casts a shadow over Pakistan’s mediation role in the indirect dialogues.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had already laid out the grievances in separate calls with Pakistani and Russian officials. He slammed US interference in Iranian shipping, spotlighting the seizure of the Touska vessel and its crew. Araghchi also criticized Washington’s erratic policies and aggressive posturing, calling them obstacles to sustained peace talks.
Fragility defines the 40-day war truce that kicked in on April 8. Pakistan stepped up by hosting initial talks on April 11-12, yet Iran’s commitment to follow-ups remains unconfirmed. Compounding the issue, President Donald Trump fired off accusations on Truth Social, claiming Iran repeatedly breached the ceasefire just as its deadline looms.
This presidential broadside, timed with the truce’s endgame, amplifies doubts about the Islamabad summit’s future. The ceasefire announcement at 5:30 AM IST marked a brief hope, but current rhetoric suggests it’s unraveling. Regional observers note that US inconsistencies are eroding trust, complicating Pakistan’s bridging efforts.
The broader implications loom large: failed talks could ignite fresh conflict, drawing in allies and disrupting global energy routes. Iran’s firm no to Islamabad signals a strategic pivot, prioritizing sovereignty over rushed diplomacy amid US provocations.
