Attempts to negotiate a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have stalled, as Tehran has declined to participate in the proposed talks, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The report noted that ongoing mediation efforts by regional countries, including Pakistan, have hit a dead end, marking a significant setback in diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between the two nations.
Iran has informed mediators that it will not meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days and has rejected Washington’s demands as unacceptable, according to the report.
The report added that Tehran has formally conveyed its refusal to attend the proposed talks and has dismissed the US conditions outright.
The refusal comes despite continued efforts by regional intermediaries to bring both sides to the negotiating table, with Pakistan playing a central role in facilitating dialogue.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s earlier offer to host talks between the United States and Iran now appears uncertain, as mediation efforts have failed to gain traction.
Islamabad had stated it was ready to support discussions, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar saying the country would be “honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks.”
US President Donald Trump had also suggested that Washington was engaged in discussions with Iran, remarking that “we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation,” though he did not provide further details.
Iran had earlier dismissed claims that it was involved in Pakistan-facilitated talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, stating it had no role in such initiatives.
In a statement shared on X by its Consulate General in Mumbai, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there were no direct negotiations with the United States and that Tehran had only received “excessive and unreasonable demands” through intermediaries.
“Pakistan’s forums are their own; we didn’t participate,” the statement said, adding that while regional calls to end the conflict were welcome, “one must remember who started it.”
Baghaei also noted that Iran had received a 15-point proposal from the administration of Donald Trump, but described it as “excessive, unrealistic and irrational.”
These remarks further deepen uncertainty around diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan, indicating that any potential engagement may not be direct and that prospects for meaningful talks remain unclear.