Donald Trump confirms Pakistan talks with Iran: Can diplomacy ease Strait of Hormuz standoff before ceasefire deadline? Details here

Donald Trump said that US negotiators are set to travel to Pakistan on Monday for discussions with Iran. The announcement comes as both countries remain in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, even as the current ceasefire approaches its deadline. The possibility of renewed talks has raised expectations that the truce could be extended, though key disagreements continue to remain unresolved.

The proposed discussions are being planned at a time when ships are still unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation stems from threats issued by Iran and a US blockade affecting vessels moving to and from Iranian ports. These restrictions have disrupted movement in a route that is considered critical for global trade.

Earlier, Iranian officials indicated that they were open to negotiations. However, they maintained that transit through the strait would not resume while the US blockade remains active. Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf stated in an interview on state television that it would not be acceptable for others to use the route while Iran remains restricted.

Despite the possibility of talks, Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported on X that Tehran would not take part in the second round of discussions. The report said the decision was based on what Iran described as excessive demands from Washington, unrealistic expectations, frequent changes in position, contradictions, and the continued naval blockade, which it considers a violation of the ceasefire.

Before Trump’s latest statement, Qalibaf had said that Iran was still pursuing diplomatic options despite the current situation and acknowledged that differences between the two sides remain significant.

In his post announcing the planned travel, Trump accused Iran of breaching the ceasefire by targeting ships passing through the strait. He also issued a warning that the United States would take action against Iran’s civilian infrastructure if an agreement is not reached. He stated that if Iran does not accept the deal being offered, the United States would act against power plants and bridges.

Trump did not specify which officials would be part of the delegation traveling to Islamabad. There was no immediate response from the White House or the office of Vice President JD Vance, who had led earlier talks. It remains uncertain whether either side has changed its position on key issues that had stalled previous negotiations, including Iran’s nuclear programme, its regional alliances, and control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran had earlier announced the reopening of the strait following a 10-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, after Trump confirmed that the US blockade would continue until a deal is reached, Iran said it would maintain its own restrictions.

Following a brief increase in ship movements, vessels in the Persian Gulf paused operations again after two India-flagged ships were fired upon and forced to turn back. This development returned the situation to conditions seen before the ceasefire. The strait, which typically handles about one-fifth of global oil trade, remains a focal point of concern, with disruptions raising the risk of further strain on energy markets and increasing the possibility of escalation.

With only days left before the ceasefire expires, Iran stated that it had received new proposals from the United States. Pakistani mediators have been working to organise another round of direct talks. Authorities in Islamabad have increased security measures as part of these preparations.

According to a regional official involved in the process, arrangements are being finalised and US advance security teams are already present. The official spoke anonymously, stating they were not authorised to discuss the preparations publicly.

The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to hold firm positions while diplomatic efforts are being explored.