Pakistan was preparing to host a new round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, but Iran said Monday it was not planning to send negotiators for now. The hesitation came as a ceasefire deadline drew closer and tensions between Washington and Tehran rose again.
Iranian officials said recent US actions, including pressure around the Strait of Hormuz and the seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, had undermined the conditions for diplomacy. Pakistan, which has been trying to mediate, continued its preparations anyway, hoping both sides could still return to the table.
Security measures were tightened across Islamabad ahead of the expected meetings. Major hotels near the diplomatic zone were cleared, roads were blocked, and extra police and paramilitary forces were deployed.
The immediate goal was not a final peace deal but a temporary understanding that could extend the ceasefire and give negotiators more time. Even with that limited aim, the chances of talks going ahead remained uncertain as both sides exchanged sharp public statements.
