US and Iran truce efforts led by Pakistan at a dead end

(Patria) - Efforts by regional countries, led by Pakistan, to mediate a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have reached a dead end, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Friday, citing mediators, Al Arabiya reported.

Iran told mediators that it is not willing to meet with US officials in Islamabad in the coming days and considers Washington's demands unacceptable, the report stated.

Turkey and Egypt continue their efforts to find a way forward and are considering alternative locations for talks, including Doha and Istanbul, along with new proposals to break the stalemate.

Citing officials familiar with the matter and mediators, the WSJ also reported that Qatar is resisting efforts by the United States and other countries in the region to take a leading mediating role in potential ceasefire negotiations with Iran, which complicates efforts to advance the talks.

The Gulf state, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iran since the war began on February 28, told US officials last week that it is not willing to play a central role in mediation or lead efforts, the report stated.

US President Donald Trump said on social media earlier this week that Iran had requested a ceasefire, which Tehran denied.

At the beginning of the latest diplomatic push, Iran said it would only agree to an end to the war if the United States paid reparations for the damage caused, withdrew from its bases in the Middle East, and provided guarantees against future attacks on Iran, among other demands.