The United States has denied formally accepting an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, a U.S. official stated today, following media reports suggesting negotiators were close to such a deal.
“Discussions between the United States and Iran to reach an agreement are ongoing,” the official, who requested anonymity, told the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a military offensive against Iran. Tehran retaliated by blocking the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks against Israeli targets, U.S. bases in the region, and civilian and energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.
A two-week ceasefire took effect on April 8 to allow for negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Pakistan.
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The two parties failed to reach an agreement during talks held over the weekend in Islamabad. However, Pakistani authorities announced they are making efforts to facilitate further negotiations.
A Pakistani delegation, led by Army Chief Asim Munir, has already arrived in Iran to continue Islamabad’s mediation efforts. According to Iranian state television, the delegation is carrying a new message from Washington to Tehran and is expected to discuss future negotiations following the failure of the first round of talks.
