US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of repeatedly violating a fragile ceasefire, as uncertainty deepens over stalled peace talks aimed at preventing renewed conflict.
The temporary truce, expected to expire within days, is under strain after Tehran confirmed it has not yet sent a delegation for fresh negotiations in Islamabad.
“Iran has violated the ceasefire numerous times,” Trump said on Truth Social, without providing further details.
Talks in doubt as tensions rise
A US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Pakistan for a new round of negotiations, following earlier talks in Islamabad that ended without agreement.
However, Iranian state media said no officials had departed for the meeting, casting doubt on whether dialogue will resume.
The breakdown follows escalating tensions, including a US-imposed blockade on Iranian ports and Tehran’s renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global oil route.
Both sides accuse each other of breaching the ceasefire. Washington claims Iran targeted vessels in the waterway, while Tehran insists the US blockade and seizure of a ship amount to violations.
Trump signals hardline stance
Despite the deadlock, Trump expressed confidence that the US holds the upper hand in negotiations.
“We’re going to end up with a great deal… We’re in a very strong negotiating position,” he said.
He also warned that failure to reach an agreement could trigger renewed violence.
“If the ceasefire expires, then lots of bombs start going off,” Trump told US media, adding it was “highly unlikely” he would extend the truce.
Pakistan pushes last-minute diplomacy
Pakistan is intensifying mediation efforts, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urging both sides to extend the ceasefire and prioritise dialogue.
But Iranian officials remain sceptical, accusing the Trump administration of negotiating in bad faith and refusing to ease its demands.
Iran’s parliament speaker warned the country would not engage in talks “under the shadow of threats” and could escalate military actions if fighting resumes.
Human toll and rising uncertainty
Residents in Tehran say conditions have worsened despite the ceasefire, citing economic hardship and ongoing instability.
“This ceasefire has broken us. There is no light at the end of the tunnel,” one resident told AFP.
Regional tensions widen
Meanwhile, a separate diplomatic track is unfolding, with Israel and Lebanon set for talks in Washington after agreeing to a short-term ceasefire involving Hezbollah.
Sporadic violence continues, highlighting the fragile state of peace efforts across the region.
