The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that ongoing mediation efforts, led by regional actors including Pakistan, to secure a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have reached a deadlock. The report indicates that diplomatic channels have stalled amid deep disagreements between the two sides.
According to the newspaper, Iran has formally informed mediators that it is not prepared to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days, describing Washington’s demands as unacceptable.
Iran Signals Conditions for Talks Without Concessions
Despite the impasse, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left the door open in principle for peace negotiations under Pakistani mediation. However, he did not indicate that Tehran is willing to comply with the conditions set by US President Donald Trump.
In a post on X, Araghchi stated: “We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What matters to us are the conditions for a final and lasting end to the unlawful war imposed on us.”
This position reflects a continued Iranian stance of رفض pressure while maintaining a limited diplomatic opening, conditioned on terms that align with its own framework for ending the conflict.
Trump Escalates Threats as Deadline Narrows
On Saturday, Trump renewed his threats to intensify military action if Iran fails to reach an agreement or refuses to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Posting on Truth Social, he said: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to reach a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz? Time is running out. Only 48 hours before hell arrives. Glory to God.”
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Deepen
As fighting continued on Saturday, Iranian state media reported that a naval commander from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed an attack on an Israeli-linked vessel in the Strait of Hormuz using a drone, resulting in a fire onboard.
Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments typically pass. The closure marks a major escalation with significant implications for global energy markets and regional stability.
