ISLAMABAD: The White House said on Wednesday a planned US delegation's visit to Pakistan for talks with Iran would not take place today, as Washington waits for Tehran to present a unified negotiating position despite an extended ceasefire.
President Donald Trump had earlier announced he was extending a ceasefire with Iran, due to expire within hours, while making clear that military pressure would continue, including a blockade of ports, until Tehran submits what he described as a “unified proposal” for negotiations. The position effectively leaves diplomacy in limbo, with a new round of talks contingent on Iran first consolidating its stance, even as tensions persist on the ground.
“In light of President Trump’s Truth Social post confirming the United States is awaiting a unified proposal from the Iranians, the trip to Pakistan will not be happening today,” the White House press office said in emailed remarks to Arab News when asked if the delegation would visit on Wednesday or Thursday.
“Any further updates on in-person meetings will be announced by the White House,” it added.
The development underscores the fragility of diplomatic efforts to bring Washington and Tehran back to the table, with uncertainty deepening over whether and when a second round of talks in Islamabad will take place.
A first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11, the highest-level engagement between the two sides in decades, ended without a breakthrough, with key disagreements persisting over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and regional security issues.
The ceasefire itself followed more than a month of conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which escalated into a broader confrontation that disrupted global energy markets and maritime trade.
Iran responded by targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, while the United States enforced a counter-blockade, including the seizure of vessels linked to Tehran.
Pakistan has since sought to mediate, urging both sides to continue dialogue and extend the ceasefire to create space for negotiations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in response to Trump’s announcement that Pakistan would continue its “earnest efforts for negotiated settlement.”
“I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled at Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict,” he added.
Screenshot of PM Shehbaz Sharif post on X
However, Iran has yet to confirm participation in any new round of talks. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai said on Tuesday a final decision had not been made, citing “contradictory messages” and “unacceptable actions” by the United States.
Pakistan has meanwhile stepped up security across Islamabad, deploying nearly 20,000 personnel and launching large-scale search operations as authorities prepare for the possibility of another high-level diplomatic engagement.
