TEHRAN — Iran has formally rejected a proposal for talks put forward by Donald Trump, with Pakistan acting as a potential mediator, according to diplomatic sources, in a sign of deepening tensions between the two longtime adversaries.
Officials familiar with the matter said Tehran declined to participate in a planned meeting that Washington had been actively pursuing as part of efforts to ease escalating hostilities in the region.
A U.S. delegation dispatched under Trump’s direction had been expected to meet Iranian representatives, but the talks failed to materialize.
Iranian authorities have not issued a detailed public explanation for rejecting the proposal. However, analysts suggest the decision reflects longstanding mistrust between the two sides and Iran’s reluctance to engage under conditions it may view as unfavorable.
In a related development, Iran also turned down a separate U.S. request for a temporary 48-hour ceasefire, which Washington had proposed as a confidence-building measure aimed at reducing immediate tensions and opening space for diplomacy.
Officials in Washington, D.C. have expressed disappointment over Tehran’s response but have not ruled out further diplomatic initiatives. The White House has said it remains open to dialogue, while emphasizing the need for de-escalation.
Pakistan’s role as a potential intermediary highlights its growing diplomatic engagement in regional crisis management. Sources indicate that Islamabad had been in contact with both sides in recent days, attempting to facilitate indirect communication and reduce the risk of further escalation.
Regional observers warn that the failure to initiate talks or agree on even a short-term ceasefire underscores the widening gap between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns about the possibility of prolonged confrontation.
There has been no immediate indication of renewed diplomatic scheduling, and the situation remains fluid as both sides continue to exchange rhetoric and signals amid an increasingly volatile regional environment.
