Iran declines Trump’s Islamabad talks as ceasefire deadline nears

The disagreement emerged as a ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on April 22.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that talks with Iran are set to resume in Islamabad, but Iranian officials rejected the proposal, citing what they described as excessive US demands and continued military pressure as the reason for declining participation.

The disagreement emerged as a ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire Wednesday, with Pakistani mediators engaged in efforts to prolong the truce.

Tehran signaled it would maintain its policy of closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to a US naval blockade, further intensifying the standoff. Iranian officials said their decision not to attend the proposed negotiations was tied to what they described as shifting US positions and ongoing actions in the region.

“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,” IRNA said.

In remarks to Fox News’ Trey Yingst, President Trump said the United States would be represented in Islamabad by special envoy Steve Witkoff and chief adviser Jared Kushner.

Iranian state media rejected that assertion, with the Islamic Republic News Agency reporting that Tehran would not take part.

President Trump also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz and warned of strong retaliation if a new agreement is not reached. “We are going to hit them harder than any country has been hit before,” President Trump said, adding that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. He also warned that if Tehran does not accept a new plan, it will be “blown up.”

IRNA, in its coverage, accused the United States of engaging in a “blame game” and making false claims about Iran’s willingness to participate in negotiations as a means of increasing pressure.

The conflicting statements highlight a widening gap between Washington and Tehran, with no clear path forward for talks in Islamabad.