Pakistan’s capital is being readied for high-stakes diplomacy — but one of the two parties may not show up.
Iranian state media reported Sunday that Tehran will not participate in a second round of negotiations with Washington, blaming what it described as unrealistic American demands, an unstable negotiating position, and an ongoing naval blockade it views as a ceasefire violation.
“Iran stated that its absence from the second round of talks stems from what it called Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire,” the Islamic Republic News Agency said.
Tehran further accused the US of misrepresenting Iran’s willingness to engage, saying Washington was fabricating claims of Iranian participation to exert pressure on the country.
The American side, meanwhile, is pressing ahead. US Vice President JD Vance will lead a delegation to Islamabad, joined by special envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, a White House official confirmed. US President Donald Trump had earlier announced the trip on Truth Social, stating that representatives would head to Pakistan “tomorrow night.”
Despite Iran’s stated position, Trump struck an optimistic tone on Sunday. “I feel fine about it. The concept of the deal is done. I think we have a very good chance to get it completed,” he told Axios. He had separately acknowledged what he called a “serious violation” of the ceasefire by Iran but said he still believed a peace agreement was achievable.
On the ground in Islamabad, preparations are visibly underway. Pakistan-based analyst Omer Azhar told The Jerusalem Post that major hotels — including the Marriott and the Serena — have begun clearing guests ahead of an anticipated arrival of delegations, with city beautification work also nearing completion.
“Pakistan has maintained a very delicate balance between all stakeholders, including Washington, Tehran, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states,” Azhar said. “There is confidence that something positive may come out of this.”
Some reporting suggests Iran’s delegation will not travel to Pakistan for as long as the US naval blockade remains in place — a condition that has yet to be addressed publicly by either side.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened senior cabinet members Sunday night ahead of the expiration of Trump’s ceasefire ultimatum, with a full security cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday.
US military forces are not waiting on the diplomatic outcome. An American official confirmed to the Post that preparations for a possible strike order are complete: “American forces have completed their preparations and are ready for any scenario.” The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush is currently en route to the region.
