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Efforts by Pakistan and other regional countries to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have stalled, according to The Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, Iran has officially told mediators that it does not wish to meet with U.S. officials in Islamabad in the coming days, stating that Washington’s demands are unacceptable.
At the same time, mediators say that Turkey and Egypt are continuing efforts to find a way forward and are considering alternative venues for talks, including Istanbul and Doha. New proposals to break the deadlock are also reportedly under discussion.
Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran had requested a ceasefire, although Tehran denies this claim.
Sources cited by the publication say Trump has signaled openness to a ceasefire proposal if Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz.
According to mediators, at the start of the latest diplomatic efforts Iran indicated it would only agree to end the war if the United States pays reparations, withdraws troops from Middle Eastern bases, and provides guarantees against future attacks.
Peace prospects at risk
In recent days, Trump has repeatedly suggested that the United States aims to end the war with Iran within two to three weeks — even if Tehran does not agree to a deal.
He also recently addressed the nation, warning that the U.S. could launch a powerful strike within that timeframe.
Meanwhile, hostilities between the sides continue. Reports indicate that U.S. and Israeli forces recently destroyed a major bridge linking Tehran and Karaj. Iranian sources also claim that two U.S. military aircraft were shot down.
