Vance’s Pakistan Trip Delayed as Iran Boycotts Talks
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- Vance' planned trip to Islamabad on Tuesday was postponed indefinitely after Iran, via Pakistani mediators, said it would not attend the peace talks.
- Iran' IRGC‑affiliated Tasnim news agency confirmed Tehran's negotiating team informed the United States it would not be in Islamabad on Wednesday and sees no prospect for participation.
- President Trump said the ceasefire runs until Wednesday evening (or Tuesday 8 p.m. ET per Pakistani officials) and warned he does not want to extend it, stating the U.S. is ready to bomb if no deal is reached.
- White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled from Miami to Washington for policy meetings instead of departing for Islamabad with Vance.
- Pakistan' Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to extend the ceasefire and return to negotiations, while Information Minister Attaullah Tarar noted Islamabad is still waiting for Tehran's formal response.
- White House spent Monday waiting for a signal from Tehran; sources said Iranians were stalling under pressure from the Revolutionary Guards, demanding an end to the U.S. naval blockade before talks.
Why it matters: The delay pushes the ceasefire toward its deadline, tightening the window for diplomatic resolution and raising the likelihood of renewed fighting; the United States loses a chance to negotiate while Iran’s refusal, tied to the naval blockade, forces Washington to consider military options.
