• Source:JND

Pakistan's Information Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday confirmed that Iran's decision on participation in the second round of Islamabad peace talks with the United States is still awaited and remains critical, indicating a possible return to a war scenario in West Asia.

Naqvi said, "Islamabad made sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to participate in the second round of talks," adding that the efforts will continue as the two-week ceasefire is set to end at 4:50 AM.

He said, "A formal response from the Iranian side about confirmation of the delegation to attend the Islamabad peace talks is still awaited."

Iran has reportedly refused to participate in further negotiations with the US until it lifts the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that was imposed on April 13 in the wake of the failed first round of negotiations.

ALSO READ: Trump Accuses Iran Of Repeated Ceasefire Violations As Islamabad Talks 2.0 Hang In Balance, Hints At 'No Extension'

Iran has reportedly termed the US demands 'excessive' and cited them as 'unreasonable and unrealistic.'

What's next after an end to the Islamabad chapter?

While there are still a few hours for Iran and the US to bridge the differences to at least return to the diplomatic table, both sides have ramped up rhetoric. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hinted that he will not consider extending the deadline and that the military was prepared to move against Iran if needed. He added that the standoff could still end up in "a great deal."

Speaking to CNBC, Trump threatened Tehran but seemed a bit optimistic. He said, "It will end with a great deal with Iran."

ALSO READ: Iran Threatens 'Decisive Retaliation' After US Seizes Iranian Vessel, Calls Action ‘Maritime Piracy’

On the other hand, Iran's Parliament Speaker and lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reiterated Tehran's concerns over the naval blockade. He called out Trump for "acting on delusion", saying Tehran had been preparing for two weeks and is ready to reveal new cards on the battlefield.

"Trump, by imposing a blockade and violating the ceasefire, wants - in his own delusion - to turn the negotiating table into a table of surrender or to justify renewed warmongering," the top lawmaker said.

"We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats," he said. "Over the past two weeks, we have prepared ourselves to reveal new cards on the battlefield."


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