Iran Withdraws From Second Round of Islamabad Talks; Calls US Demands 'Childish'

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced on April 20 that Tehran had no plans for a second round of negotiations in Islamabad, declaring: 'As of now, we have no plans for the next round of negotiations.' Iran cited the USS Spruance's seizure of the MV Touska as the triggering event, along with what officials described as 'excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, and repeated contradictions' by the US. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref called US negotiating demands 'childish.' Iranian FM Araghchi said the US had shown 'bad intentions and lack of seriousness in diplomacy.' Iran's President Pezeshkian warned Washington may 'betray diplomacy' again. The US delegation, led by VP JD Vance with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, was still expected to travel to Islamabad on Tuesday, but Iran had not confirmed its participation. Pakistan's FM Ishaq Dar continued shuttle diplomacy between capitals to try to salvage talks before the April 22 ceasefire expiration.