Prospects for a renewed round of talks between the United States and Iran appeared increasingly uncertain on Tuesday, as a fragile two-week ceasefire neared its end and both sides hardened their positions. The ceasefire, announced by Donald Trump on April 7, was set to expire at 8 pm in Washington on April 22. Trump has since suggested the deadline may be extended by a day, though he has made clear he does not favor prolonging the truce without a broader agreement.
In recent remarks, Trump expressed confidence that Iran would return to negotiations but also gave stark warnings. "We're offering a very fair and reasonable deal," he wrote on social media, adding that if Tehran refused, the United States would "knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran."
Iranian officials, for their part, have denounced such statements. "Negotiations are not acceptable" under current conditions, said Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani of Iran's parliamentary National Security Commission, accusing Washington of excessive demands and ulterior motives.
Both governments had been weighing a return to negotiations in Pakistan, where a first round of talks on April 11 ended without a breakthrough. Pakistani officials say they remain prepared to host another round in Islamabad, but it is unclear whether either side will attend.
JD Vance, who had been expected to travel to Pakistan, delayed his departure and remained in Washington for additional policy meetings, according to a White House official. Iran has not publicly confirmed its participation.
Iran's lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said Tehran would not engage in talks "under the shadow of threats," referring to Trump's warnings of further military action.
However, two senior Iranian officials told The New York Times that a delegation was preparing to travel to Pakistan and that Ghalibaf would attend if Vance were present. By Tuesday evening, Pakistani officials said Iran had yet to confirm its participation, calling such confirmation "critical" before the ceasefire ends.
Tensions have intensified since the initial talks. US imposed a naval blockade on Iran-linked ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in turn, has fired at vessels attempting to transit through the waterway.
On Monday, US forces shot at and seized an Iranian vessel in the strait. Tehran called the action as "piracy" and threatened retaliation. These developments have further complicated diplomatic efforts.
Analysts say the central obstacle remains mutual distrust and the unwillingness of either side to make early concessions. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said the key question is "whether the U.S. is willing to ease pressure enough to make diplomacy credible and whether Iran is willing to curb its leverage enough to keep talks alive."
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