Amid uncertainty over the second round of the Islamabad talks, United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused Iran of violating the ceasefire repeatedly. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Iran has violated the ceasefire numerous times!"
Trump's statement comes as the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is set to visit Pakistan, while Tehran has refused to engage despite a looming deadline of the two-week temporary truce.
In another statement, Trump hinted that he was not considering an extension to the two-week ceasefire. While talking to news portal CNBC, the US President said that he believes the conflict with Iran will end with a "great deal," adding that he does not want to extend the current ceasefire.
Diplomatic ruckus during the 14-day ceasefire
After over 37 days of fierce military escalation, the US and Iran reached a temporary truce on April 8 to stop attacks and engage in peace talks for a final agreement to cease hostilities. However, tensions soon escalated as the first round of negotiations failed on April 12.
The US had cited Iran's nuclear ambitions as a hurdle to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, while Tehran accused Washington of making excessive demands. The next day, Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which added to tensions.
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On Sunday, Trump announced that peace talks in Islamabad would resume from Monday, a claim which was sharply rejected by Iran. Hours later, IRNA, Iran's state agency, stated that Tehran would not engage in the peace talks unless Washington lifts the naval blockade.
IRNA report stated that the decision to skip the second round of talks was made because of the US's excessive demands, which it cited as unreasonable and unrealistic.
"The continuation of the so-called naval blockade, which is considered a violation of the ceasefire understanding, along with threatening rhetoric, had also hindered talks," the report added.
Trump says Vance en route to Islamabad, reports suggest otherwise
Earlier in the day, Trump told The New York Post that the Vance-led delegation was already en route to Islamabad. However, other media outlets reported that the VP was very much in Washington.
Vance is expected to reach Islamabad late Tuesday. "Vice President Vance is expected to depart for Islamabad by Tuesday morning for talks with Iran over a potential deal to end the war," American news outlet Axios reported, quoting three US sources.