Pakistan Brokers US-Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire Deadline

Pakistan is working to broker contacts between the United States and Iran, with the aim of hosting peace talks in Islamabad as a two-week ceasefire in their eight-week conflict approaches its scheduled end on Wednesday evening US time.

Officials involved in the effort are preparing for a high-level US visit. United States Vice President JD Vance is due to arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday morning, traveling with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to take part in discussions that could open a path to negotiations.

The mediation push is unfolding against a backdrop of fresh friction that has raised doubts about whether the moment is ripe for talks. Over the past 48 hours, the US carried out actions that Tehran says undermine the ceasefire, including boarding two cargo vessels linked to Iran.

Iran has publicly reiterated that it will not return to diplomacy with Washington if it believes it is being pressured. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said Iran would not negotiate under duress. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed that position, accusing the US of seeking surrender rather than a genuine negotiating process.

Iranian officials also signaled heightened security posture as the ceasefire deadline approaches. Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, called for 100% readiness for potential US attacks, underscoring the level of concern in Tehran even as Pakistan attempts to keep diplomatic channels open.

Tehran has pointed to specific incidents at sea as evidence of escalation. The Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska was boarded in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday, and a second vessel, M/T Tifani , was boarded in the Asia Pacific on Tuesday. Iran has described the boardings as a ceasefire violation.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry characterized the actions as “extremely dangerous” and “criminal,” and said it would defend Iran’s national interests. The language highlights the political constraints facing any renewed engagement, particularly if Iranian leaders believe the US is acting in ways that increase pressure while talks are being proposed.

Even so, some analysts have suggested there may be a narrow opening for de-escalation tied to developments around the first boarding. They said the release of the Touska’s crew could potentially ease Iran’s stance on returning to talks, though Iran’s public messaging remains firm as the ceasefire’s expiration draws closer.