US President Donald Trump on Monday said it was “highly unlikely” that he would extend the two-week ceasefire with Iran if a deal is not reached before it ends, according to Bloomberg. He also said that the Strait of Hormuz would remain blocked until a consensus is finalised.
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This comes as US Vice President JD Vance, who is leading a high-level delegation, is en route to Pakistan for a second round of direct negotiations with Iran to reach an agreement aimed at restoring peace following the conflict that has gravely impacted the West Asian region. JD Vance is expected to land in Pakistan shortly.
The second round of direct talks between leaders of the United States and Iran comes after the first round in Islamabad failed to bring them to an agreement on key points.
After 21 hours of negotiations in Pakistan between the United States and Iran, the talks ended in a stalemate on April 12, with US Vice President JD Vance confirming that no agreement was reached. He said the US delegation would be returning home, adding that the outcome was “bad news for Iran” rather than the United States.
Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Vance noted that the 21-hour discussions involved several substantive exchanges but failed to produce any final resolution. “We've had a number of substantive agreements with the Iranians, that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America.” He added, “We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement,” Vance said.
He said Washington clearly outlined its red lines and areas of flexibility, but Iran “chose not to accept our terms.” Vance reiterated that the US had sought a firm commitment from Tehran not to pursue nuclear weapons or the means to develop them, adding, “We just could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept our terms.”
He further stated, “We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We'll see if the Iranians accept it.”
