The fragile diplomatic thread between Washington and Tehran appeared close to snapping this weekend as Iran rejected a second round of peace talks, citing what it called the “excessive demands” of the United States. Tehran’s refusal came amid an increasingly volatile atmosphere, with President Donald Trump threatening to “blow Iran sky-high” and destroy all of its power plants if the Islamic Republic refuses to accept his plan.
Despite the escalatory rhetoric, the White House announced that Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation to Pakistan — which has served as mediator since the beginning of the conflict — for continued negotiations. According to an unnamed senior White House official, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will also be part of the delegation. Vance previously led the American negotiating team during the first round of dialogue.
However, the timeline remains uncertain. While Trump announced the delegation would be in Pakistan on Monday, there is no clarity on when or whether actual conversations with Iranian counterparts will take place.
The human toll of the standoff is already visible. According to The Hindu, Indian diplomats, their families, and students are fleeing Iran, undertaking grueling overland journeys to cross into Azerbaijan and Armenia amid a tenuous ceasefire between the two powers.
