Diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire between the US and Iran have reached a dead end, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing sources familiar with the negotiations. According to the report, the current round of talks, led by regional countries including Pakistan, is not moving forward at this stage.
The sources said Iran had formally made clear that it was not prepared to meet with American representatives in Islamabad in the coming days and that the demands put forward by Washington were unacceptable to it. At the same time, the US proposed a 48-hour ceasefire over the past week, according to Fars, the news agency affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Meanwhile, Turkey and Egypt are continuing efforts to bridge the gaps between the sides and are examining new possible venues for the talks, including Doha in Qatar and Istanbul. New proposals aimed at breaking the deadlock are also under consideration.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump wrote on social media that Iran had asked for a ceasefire, but officials in Tehran denied the claim. According to sources familiar with the matter, Trump himself signaled that he would be open to a ceasefire if Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar's refusal
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Qatar is refusing efforts by the US and regional countries to turn it into a key mediator between Washington and Tehran, according to sources familiar with the matter. The decision is complicating attempts to advance a ceasefire agreement and restart talks.
According to those sources, Doha told senior US officials as early as last week that it was not interested in taking on a leading role in the mediation effort or steering the process.
Either way, the gaps between the sides remain deep, and no breakthrough in the contacts appears to be on the horizon at this stage.
