Uncertainty Clouds Dialogue Between Iran and US as Ceasefire Hinges on Pakistan

As Pakistan prepares to host talks between Iran and the United States, conflicting statements from Donald Trump and Tehran on the ceasefire raise doubts about the successful conduct of these negotiations. After Iran confirmed the end of the ceasefire for Tuesday evening, Donald Trump announced a few hours later on Truth Social that the truce was extended until further notice at the request of Pakistan.

Talks between Iran and the United States seem increasingly compromised. Iranians have not yet responded to Pakistan’s invitations to host these negotiations. In Islamabad, the situation remains unclear. Who are the Iranian counterparts? Who will sit across from the American representatives? Will Vice President of the United States J.D. Vance be present? Many uncertainties add to another: will the ceasefire end soon?

Statements from Tehran on Tuesday, April 21, hinted in the afternoon that the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States would expire in the night at 2 AM (Paris time), Wednesday. This information was conveyed by the Iranian state television. However, Donald Trump declared on Tuesday evening, on Truth Social, that he agreed to extend the ceasefire until further notice at Pakistan’s request and until Iran “presents a unified proposal.”

“The Iranian government is severely fractured,” said Donald Trump. “At the request of Marshal Asim Munir (Chief of the Pakistani army) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, we were asked to suspend our attack on Iran until its leaders and representatives can present a unified proposal.” Additionally, the American President indicated he would maintain the blockade of Iranian ports and assured that his army “remained ready.”

Effective since April 8, the ceasefire was theoretically due to end on the night between Tuesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 22. Donald Trump also indicated on Monday that he postponed the end of the ceasefire by 24 hours, hoping to reach an agreement.

Iran Still Absent in Pakistan

Talks between the United States and Iran appear increasingly compromised. “We are still waiting for an official response from Iran regarding the confirmation of the participation of a delegation,” added the Pakistani Minister of Information. Vice President of the United States J.D. Vance was still in Washington on Tuesday evening. The White House indicated he was attending “additional meetings.”

Several other elements suggest it will be even more challenging than expected. In the early afternoon, Donald Trump spoke on the Truth Social platform and accused Iran of “violating the ceasefire on numerous occasions.” On the same day, Abdullah Haji Sadeghi, a representative of the Supreme Leader within the Revolutionary Guards, threatened: “We will only agree to negotiations on the day the enemy acknowledges that we are in a position of victory.”