Iran rejects talks under pressure as Trump rules out ceasefire extension
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Iran refuses negotiations under “threats” as US signals military options remain on table.
- Trump says ceasefire extension is “highly unlikely” without a deal.
Uncertainty is mounting over a second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad after Iran’s top political figures signaled they will not negotiate under pressure, while US President Donald Trump indicated he is unlikely to extend a fragile ceasefire unless a deal is reached.
Read more: US-Iran ceasefire set to expire soon
The standoff comes as diplomatic preparations continue in Pakistan, where officials have stepped up security ahead of expected high-level arrivals from Washington and Tehran.
Iran rejects “pressure diplomacy”
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and lead negotiator, said Tehran will not enter talks under coercion.
“We do not accept negotiations under threats,” he wrote on social media, adding that Iran is preparing to “reveal new cards on the battlefield.”
Read more: Iran says “no decision” yet on joining new round of US peace talks
The remarks reflect hardening rhetoric in Tehran as tensions with Washington escalate over military pressure and maritime incidents.
Iranian officials have also accused the US of violating ceasefire terms, including the seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel and broader pressure on regional shipping routes.
Trump signals escalation risk
US President Donald Trump struck a sharply different tone, warning that military escalation remains possible if diplomacy fails.
“If Iran does not respond to US demands, a lot of bombs will explode,” he told US media, while confirming he is not considering extending the current ceasefire agreement beyond its scheduled expiry.
Trump said a short extension of the truce is “highly unlikely” if no breakthrough is reached, and suggested that energy infrastructure could be targeted if talks collapse.
Vance expected in Islamabad
Despite the tensions, the US appears to be moving ahead with its diplomatic delegation. Reports indicate Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Islamabad for discussions related to Iran, with the possibility of joining negotiations if progress is made.
A White House spokesperson said the US is “closer than ever” to a deal with Iran, framing the current moment as a critical diplomatic opening despite ongoing hostilities.
Tehran maintains open but cautious stance
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has not decided whether to participate in further talks, citing continued US actions as a major obstacle.
He pointed to maritime incidents and alleged ceasefire violations, saying they are undermining the diplomatic process.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that no new round of negotiations has been scheduled, stressing that any decision will depend on “careful assessment of conditions.”
Islamabad under pressure
Pakistan, which is hosting the diplomatic activity, has intensified security preparations in Islamabad as both delegations are expected to arrive.
Officials say discussions remain fluid, with no final confirmation that the second round of talks will proceed as planned.
High-stakes standoff
With the ceasefire deadline approaching and both sides trading warnings, the situation is entering a critical phase. Diplomats involved in the process describe the talks as fragile, with the risk of escalation rising if negotiations collapse before the truce expires.
