US and Iran send mixed signals over Islamabad talks
The United States and Iran each warned they were ready for war as the clock ticked down on a ceasefire, amid uncertainty over talks that President Donald Trump said would resume in Pakistan.
With the 14-day ceasefire to expire Wednesday, he said, "I am under no pressure whatsoever" to make a deal with Iran, while also expressing confidence that further negotiations with Tehran will soon take place in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator and parliament speaker, Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, accused the United States of wanting Iran to surrender and added that on the contrary, Iran has been preparing "to reveal new cards on the battlefield."
On Monday, Axios reported, citing US sources, that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Pakistan on Tuesday to meet with Iranian officials.
Just over a week ago, a first round of talks took place in Islamabad between senior representatives from Washington and Tehran. However, the talks ended without producing any tangible results.
Iranian state TV says no delegation has left for Islamabad yet
Iranian state television on Tuesday showed an on-screen alert saying that "no delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad," dismissing reports to the contrary.
The alert came amid growing speculation as to whether Tehran will hold a second round of peace talks with Washington.
The US Navy's seizure of an Iranian container ship over the weekend is likely to have an impact on whether Iran decides to take part in talks or not, with hardliners calling for a harsh response.
So far, no official has acknowledged that a delegation will be heading to Pakistan.
Germany's Wadephul urges Iran to hold talks in Islamabad
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called on Iran to hold constructive talks with the US in Islamabad, saying it was in the interests of its own people to do so.
"As we know, the US vice president is prepared to travel to Islamabad," Wadephul said ahead of a foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Tuesday.
"Iran should now take up this offer for the sake of its own people," he said.
Wadephul also criticized Iran's virtual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, an important transit route for much of the world's gas and oil, and urged Iran to reopen the waterway without delay.
He said Europe stood ready to ensure security in the strait after the conflict had ended.
