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As uncertainty deepens in the diplomatic process between the US and Iran, US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Islamabad has been postponed due to the lack of a response from Iran.
According to a US official familiar with the matter, Tehran’s failure to respond to Washington’s terms for negotiations has effectively brought the process to a standstill.
Officials stated that Vance was scheduled to depart for Islamabad this morning and that talks were expected to resume on Wednesday. However, the fact that the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran was set to end on the same day, and that no official response had been received from Iran, led to the suspension of these plans. Nevertheless, it was stated that the visit was not entirely canceled and could be rescheduled soon if a positive signal was received from Iran.
The US administration awaits a clear signal that Iranian negotiators have full authority to negotiate a deal, while the Donald Trump administration’s efforts to reach an agreement to limit the nuclear program face a new obstacle. The Pentagon is reportedly continuing to consider military options should it conclude that Iran is not negotiating in good faith. Officials emphasized that a renewed bombing campaign is unlikely in the short term, but that all scenarios remain on the table.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has announced its readiness to host a new round of talks between the parties, but the timing remains uncertain as the two-week ceasefire period is running out. White House sources reported that Vance remained in Washington to attend additional policy meetings.
From the Iranian side, however, harsh messages emerged. The Tehran administration condemned the US threats, and Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that his country would not participate in negotiations “under threat.” This statement was seen as a response to Trump’s remarks that he could target Iran’s energy infrastructure if an agreement could not be reached.
*This is not investment advice.
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