ISLAMABAD — Planned talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad have been paused, with Vice President JD Vance’s expected trip to Pakistan now on hold after Iran failed to respond to US negotiating terms, according to the New York Times.
The pause comes as the ceasefire deadline approaches, with approximately 27 hours remaining, increasing pressure on both sides to reach an agreement.
Iran Signals Conditions As Blockade Emerges As Key Sticking Point
Iran has maintained that it will not enter negotiations under current conditions, with the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and shipping routes emerging as the central obstacle.
Iran has informed mediators it is prepared to send a delegation to Islamabad only if the United States lifts the blockade, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal.
From Tehran’s perspective, entering negotiations while under blockade would signal weakness domestically, reducing incentives to engage without prior concessions.
In a public statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said blocking Iranian ports constitutes “an act of war” and a violation of the ceasefire, adding that Iran “knows how to defend its interests”.
The position reflects growing resistance within Iran to negotiating under pressure, with hardline factions increasingly shaping the response.
Pakistan Mediation Efforts Highlight Impact Of Blockade
Pakistani mediation efforts have focused heavily on the blockade issue.
Pakistani security sources familiar with the discussions told BPI News that Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, directly raised the issue with Donald J. Trump, stating that restrictions on Iranian shipping were hindering progress towards renewed talks.
According to these sources, Trump indicated he would take the matter under consideration.
Islamabad Remains Under Full Security Lockdown
Despite the pause in talks, security preparations in Islamabad remain fully in place.
More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the capital, according to information gathered by BPI News.
Residents along key convoy routes between Nur Khan Airbase and central Islamabad told BPI News they have been instructed not to record movements, while security personnel have been positioned on rooftops.
Multiple hotel sources confirmed that two major hotels, including the Serena Hotel, have been cleared of guests, with no new bookings being accepted.
Islamabad Traffic Police have implemented sweeping closures, sealing the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone, while major routes including the Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway remain subject to shutdowns.
Heavy transport entering the capital has been suspended, with detailed diversion plans issued across multiple sectors.
Security sources also told BPI News that police units have been equipped with drone-jamming technology.
Military Logistics And Preparations Continue
United States Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft have been filmed landing at Nur Khan Airbase, carrying armoured vehicles, trucks and logistical equipment.
Security sources described the movements as part of the operational build-up for high-level diplomatic engagement, despite the current pause.
Ground Preparations Continue Despite Diplomatic Stalemate
Pakistani sources with knowledge of the negotiations told BPI News that preparations have always been made on the assumption that Iran would ultimately attend talks.
However, the current situation reflects a diplomatic impasse.
Iran and the United States now appear locked in a waiting game, with both sides seeking leverage ahead of any potential negotiations.
Additional pressure from Washington may further harden Iran’s position, reducing the likelihood of immediate talks, even as Islamabad remains prepared to host them.