President Donald Trump announced that Vice President JD Vance will lead a U.S. delegation to Pakistan on Monday for another round of talks with Iran, as the fragile ceasefire between the two nations approaches its Wednesday expiration. The delegation, which includes envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, aims to extend the truce despite ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Defiant Stance
Iran’s chief negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy but acknowledged significant unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not officially confirmed the talks but stated it has received new proposals from the U.S.
"There will be no retreat in the field of diplomacy," Qalibaf said in an interview aired on Iranian state television.
Trump’s Threats Escalate
In a statement, Trump reiterated his threats against Iranian infrastructure, warning that failure to agree to a U.S.-proposed deal could result in the destruction of every power plant and bridge in Iran. The White House has faced widespread criticism for these remarks, with warnings that such actions could constitute war crimes.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, remains closed amid mutual threats from Iran and the U.S. Iran has declared transits ‘impossible’ while the U.S. maintains its blockade on ships heading to and from Iranian ports. The closure has deepened the global energy crisis, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade typically passing through the strait.
Iran has accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire by enforcing the blockade, while Trump claims Iran breached the truce by firing at ships attempting to transit the strait. The standoff continues to strain regional stability, with no immediate resolution in sight.