Iran has indicated it will not send negotiators to Islamabad for a new round of talks with the United States, complicating Pakistan’s plans for multiday negotiations less than 48 hours before a fragile ceasefire is due to expire. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday accused Washington of violating the truce from the outset, citing a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since April 13 and the overnight capture of an Iranian container ship as breaches of the ceasefire and international law. Pakistan, acting as principal mediator, says it remains cautiously hopeful but acknowledges tensions are rising.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.