Talks with Iran in doubt? JD Vance's Islamabad trip stalled as Tehran sends no signal

The White House said Vance remained in Washington on Tuesday to attend additional policy meetings.

White House signals ongoing deliberations

An official said the vice president would participate in consultations as the US weighs its next steps ahead of the ceasefire deadline. Vance had originally been scheduled to depart for Pakistan on Tuesday morning.

Senior officials are continuing internal discussions, with the outcome of the proposed talks still uncertain.

Key envoys rerouted to Washington

US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are now heading to Washington instead of Islamabad, adding to signs of a possible delay.

A Department of Homeland Security aircraft that was expected to take them to Pakistan appears to have changed course mid-journey, according to flight data.

Talks planned, but participation unclear

Earlier, regional officials had indicated that a second round of negotiations would take place, with Vance leading the US delegation and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf heading Tehran’s team.

However, Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar later said Iran had not formally confirmed its participation.

Iran cites ‘contradictory’ US actions

Iran has said no final decision has been made on attending the talks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei cited “contradictory messages” and “unacceptable actions” by the US, including its recent moves in the Strait of Hormuz.

He described Washington’s actions as “maritime piracy” and “state terrorism,” further clouding prospects for dialogue as the ceasefire deadline approaches.