Efforts to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have stalled after Tehran refused to take part in planned talks, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
“Current mediation efforts led by regional countries, including Pakistan, to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have reached a dead end,” the report said, highlighting a significant setback in diplomatic attempts to ease tensions.
Iran has informed mediators that it is unwilling to meet U.S. officials in Islamabad in the coming days and considers Washington’s demands unacceptable, the report said. “Iran has officially told mediators that it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad and that U.S. demands are unacceptable,” according to the report.
The refusal comes despite ongoing efforts by regional intermediaries to bring both sides to the negotiating table, with Pakistan playing a central role in facilitating dialogue.
Pakistan’s earlier offer to host talks now appears uncertain as mediation efforts fail to gain traction. Islamabad had said it was prepared to facilitate discussions, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noting the country would be “honoured to host and facilitate meaningful talks.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has also indicated that Washington was engaged in discussions with Iran, saying “we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation,” though he provided no further details.
Iran has previously denied taking part in Pakistan-facilitated talks aimed at ending the conflict, saying it had no role in such efforts.
In a statement shared on X by its Consulate General in Mumbai, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said there were no direct talks 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 war were welcome, “one must remember who started it.”
Baghaei also said Iran had received a 15-point proposal from the Trump administration but described it as “excessive, unrealistic and irrational.”
The remarks add to growing uncertainty around mediation efforts involving Pakistan, with officials suggesting that any future engagement may not be direct.