Iran Continues Indirect Talks with US via Pakistan Following Failed Negotiations

Kathmandu. Iran stated on Wednesday that it has continued exchanges with the United States through Pakistan following unsuccessful talks over the weekend.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said, “Since the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran on Sunday, several messages have been exchanged through Pakistan.”

He added, “Today, we are likely to welcome a Pakistani delegation as a continuation of the discussions held in Islamabad.”

US-Iran talks took place over the weekend against the backdrop of a two-week ceasefire announced a few days ago, but they failed to reach an agreement to end the war.

The talks, which lasted about 21 hours, involved a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian side led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

While the main points were not officially disclosed at the time, US President Donald Trump later criticized Iran for not opening the 'Strait of Hormuz' and stated that Iran refused to concede on its nuclear program.

News reports subsequently stated, “Washington had demanded a 20-year freeze on Iran's uranium enrichment, while Iran proposed suspending its nuclear activities for five years in return. The proposal was rejected by US officials.”

On Wednesday, Baghaei described some of the demands made by the US during the talks as 'unreasonable and impractical.' Emphasizing Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, he stated it 'cannot be taken away through pressure or war.'

He said, “The level of enrichment is 'negotiable,' and Iran must be able to continue enrichment according to its needs.” Baghaei also criticized the US Navy's blockade of Iranian ports since Monday, stating it would not be successful.

He stated that Iran would not enter into any negotiations to accept US conditions.

No Extension for Iran Ceasefire

Meanwhile, a senior official said on Wednesday that the United States has not formally agreed to extend the ceasefire with Iran by two weeks, following reports that the Donald Trump administration had reached an in-principle agreement to do so.

Speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, the official said, “The US has not formally agreed to extend the ceasefire, but negotiations for a deal between the US and Iran are ongoing during this period.”