Iran Signals Reluctance for Talks Despite Ceasefire Extension With US

Iran has acknowledged the extension of its ceasefire with the United States but signalled hesitation over participating in further negotiations, raising concerns about the future of diplomatic efforts and the stability of the fragile truce.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the extension on Tuesday, stating that the move was intended to give Tehran more time to submit a “unified proposal” aimed at ending the conflict. The decision came just before the ceasefire deadline and followed mediation efforts led by Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed the extension but stopped short of committing to renewed talks. He emphasised that diplomacy would only be pursued if it aligns with Iran’s national interests and security priorities.

The cautious stance reflects growing internal divisions within Tehran. Mahdi Mohammadi, an adviser to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticised the extension as “meaningless,” accusing Washington of attempting to dictate terms while delaying potential military action.

Reports from Iranian media suggest that Tehran may decline participation in proposed talks scheduled to take place in Islamabad, although no official withdrawal has been announced. The uncertainty highlights deep mistrust between both sides, particularly over the conditions attached to negotiations.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, including Iran’s reported seizure of vessels, have reinforced concerns that both countries continue to apply strategic pressure while diplomacy stalls.

On the U.S. side, officials have indicated that discussions remain fluid, with ongoing internal consultations affecting the timeline for negotiations. Washington has also made it clear that the ceasefire is temporary and dependent on measurable progress.

Key issues continue to divide both nations. The United States insists on halting Iran’s nuclear programme, while Tehran demands sanctions relief and an end to economic and maritime restrictions as conditions for meaningful engagement.

Pakistan’s mediation has positioned Islamabad as a potential venue for renewed dialogue, but the latest signals suggest that bridging the gap remains difficult.

While the ceasefire extension has reduced the immediate risk of escalation, analysts warn that without concrete steps toward agreement, the diplomatic window could close quickly, raising the possibility of renewed confrontation.

Iran Signals Reluctance for Talks Despite Ceasefire Extension With US

Trump Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Breaches as US–Iran Peace Talks Collapse 

US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of repeatedly violating a fragile ceasefire agreement, as efforts to revive stalled US–Iran peace talks face increasing uncertainty amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The temporary truce, which is expected to expire within days, is reportedly under severe strain after Iranian authorities confirmed that no delegation has yet been sent for renewed negotiations scheduled to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that Iran had violated the ceasefire “numerous times,” though he did not provide specific details or evidence of the alleged breaches. The accusation has further heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran at a critical moment in the peace process.

A new round of negotiations had been expected to involve a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, following earlier talks in Islamabad that ended without a breakthrough. However, Iranian state media reports suggest that no officials have departed for the meeting, raising doubts over whether the dialogue will proceed as planned.

READ ALSO:

• Nigeria Records New COVID-19 Case in Cross River
• Middle East Crisis: Nigeria Records $4bn Oil Windfall
• Nigeria Police Begins Probe of 167 Senior Officers Over Misconduct

The breakdown in talks comes amid escalating geopolitical friction, including disputes over maritime activity and strategic waterways. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, have intensified concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

Both the United States and Iran continue to trade accusations of ceasefire violations. Washington claims Iranian-linked forces targeted vessels in key maritime corridors, while Tehran insists that US naval actions and the reported seizure of an Iranian-linked ship constitute clear breaches of the agreement.

Despite the deadlock, Trump maintained that the United States remains in a strong negotiating position. He stated that Washington is confident it will ultimately secure a favorable agreement, even as diplomatic efforts continue to stall.

However, he also warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to renewed conflict. According to Trump, if the ceasefire expires without extension, “lots of bombs start going off,” signaling the possibility of a sharp escalation in hostilities.

Diplomatic efforts by Pakistan have intensified in recent days, with officials urging both sides to extend the truce and return to negotiations to avoid further escalation. Islamabad has been playing a mediating role in attempts to stabilize the situation and restart dialogue.

Despite these efforts, Iranian officials remain skeptical, accusing the United States of negotiating under pressure while maintaining sanctions and military pressure. A senior Iranian parliamentary official reiterated that Tehran would not engage in talks “under the shadow of threats,” warning that any renewed conflict could escalate rapidly.

Inside Iran, the prolonged crisis has deepened economic pressure and public uncertainty, with reports of worsening conditions despite the temporary ceasefire. Inflation, restricted trade, and instability have contributed to growing frustration among citizens.

At the regional level, the crisis is also affecting broader diplomatic dynamics, with parallel negotiations involving Israel and Lebanon continuing in Washington as part of wider efforts to manage tensions across the Middle East.

For now, the future of the US–Iran ceasefire remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm positions and diplomatic channels struggling to produce progress. Analysts warn that the coming days will be critical in determining whether the truce can be extended—or whether the region risks sliding back into open conflict.

Trump Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Breaches as US–Iran Peace Talks Collapse

Trump Rules Out Ceasefire Extension With Iran

US President Donald Trump has ruled out extending the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran beyond its current deadline, warning that failure in ongoing negotiations could lead to renewed military confrontation.

Speaking in an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, Trump said he was not in favour of prolonging the truce, stressing that both sides must move quickly to reach a binding agreement.

“I don’t want to do that. We don’t have that much time,” he said, indicating that the situation remains time-sensitive as diplomatic talks continue under pressure.

The ceasefire, which is expected to expire on Wednesday evening, has temporarily eased tensions between Washington and Tehran, allowing both sides to regroup following weeks of heightened conflict and military escalation concerns.

READ ALSO:

• Blessing CEO Returns to Instagram, Deletes Cancer Claim Posts
• FG Disburses ₦9.9bn Cash Transfer to Vulnerable Households in Ondo
• Man Gets Three Life Sentences for Killing Couple, Drowning Their 1-Year-Old Son in US

Trump noted that both countries had used the pause to “restock,” describing the truce as fragile and warning that it could collapse if negotiations fail to produce results.

He further suggested that the breakdown of talks could trigger a return to military operations, stating that he “expects bombing” to resume if diplomacy fails. According to him, the U.S. military remains fully prepared for any required action.

“I expect to be bombing because I think that’s a better attitude to go in with,” he said, defending a strong negotiating posture.

The president also reiterated earlier warnings about targeting Iranian infrastructure, including strategic facilities such as transport routes and power installations, arguing that such measures would weaken Iran’s military logistics and operational capacity.

Despite his hardline position, Trump acknowledged that Iran’s population is “incredible,” while describing its leadership as resistant to compromise. He insisted that a negotiated deal could still allow Iran to “become a strong nation again” if it agrees to terms acceptable to Washington.

The comments come as senior U.S. officials prepare for further diplomatic engagements, with Vice President JD Vance expected to participate in upcoming discussions aimed at extending the ceasefire and reducing tensions in the region.

Trump also criticised Iran’s internal handling of unrest, referencing reports of violent crackdowns on protests, which he said further complicate efforts toward lasting peace.

The latest remarks highlight continued uncertainty surrounding the U.S.–Iran ceasefire negotiations, with global observers closely watching whether diplomacy or renewed conflict will define the next phase of relations between both countries.

Trump Rules Out Ceasefire Extension With Iran