Security was visible at Islamabad’s Serena Hotel as Pakistan readied to host U.S. and Iranian delegations for a second round of talks aimed at ending the seven‑week war. The planned trip by U.S. Vice‑President J.D. Vance was put on hold after Tehran did not respond to American proposals, officials and media reports said. Vance had been scheduled to depart Tuesday for negotiations due to resume Wednesday, the day a fragile two‑week ceasefire is set to expire. With no answer from Iran, diplomats characterized the effort as effectively suspended, although the visit was not formally canceled.
As Iran remained silent, President Donald Trump warned he would order strikes if no agreement was reached before the truce ended. Pakistan urged both sides to extend the ceasefire to give diplomacy more time. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said a decision on participating in the Islamabad talks had not been finalized.
Meanwhile, reports from Tehran suggested preparations for renewed military action: forces were reportedly repositioned and fresh target lists compiled in recent weeks amid disputes over U.S. demands and allegations of a naval blockade. Those developments heightened concerns that negotiations could collapse.
Trump said he expected Iran to send representatives to Islamabad but emphasized that Washington was prepared to resume bombing if the ceasefire deadline passed without a deal. He portrayed the U.S. as holding a strong negotiating stance after recent military strikes that he said reduced Iran’s capabilities, and warned of potential attacks on infrastructure used to move missiles. He said U.S. forces were ready to act and indicated limited willingness to extend the truce, arguing negotiators had little time.
Pakistan reiterated it was awaiting Tehran’s confirmation and said the decision now rested with Iran as the ceasefire clock wound down. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Islamabad remained in regular contact with Iranian authorities and was making sincere efforts to bring both sides to the table.
