JD Vance’s Pakistan Trip Delayed As Iran Fails To Respond To US Terms

Washington: Hopes for peace have suffered a major setback amid the ongoing tension between America and Iran. US Vice President JD Vance's visit to Islamabad has been postponed indefinitely as Iran flatly refused to participate in the second round of peace talks. This development came to light at such a critical juncture when the ceasefire that came into effect two weeks ago between the two countries was on the verge of ending and the eyes of the whole world were fixed on Islamabad.

Why was Vance's visit cancelled?

Tehran did not respond to America's latest talk proposals. Iran's IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported that the Iranian negotiating team informed the US through Pakistani mediators that it would not go to Islamabad and saw no possibility of attending the talks. After this, Vance stayed in Washington and attended policy meetings at the White House.

Why did Iran distance itself from the talks?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on social media that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports is a flagrant violation of the ceasefire. Tehran clearly said that as long as this blockade continues, it will not participate in any diplomatic initiative. Along with this, Iran demanded that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon be completely stopped.

Why did Trump decide to extend the ceasefire?

President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that the ceasefire is being extended at the request of Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to give Iran time to prepare a unified proposal. However, Trump also made it clear that the US naval blockade will continue and the army will remain ready under any circumstances.

What did Pakistan do in the role of mediator?

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met the US acting Ambassador in Islamabad on Tuesday and appealed to both sides to return to the negotiating table. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that a formal reply from Iran is still awaited and Pakistan is in constant touch. Tight security arrangements were also made in Islamabad.

Were the first round of talks also inconclusive?

Vance was accompanied by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the first round of talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. The talks lasted for 21 hours, but no agreement could be reached on important issues like the nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.