US–Iran Talks Cancelled Again: War Far From Over?

There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel yet in the ongoing conflict between US-Israel and Iran as the latest peace talks which are supposed to take place in Islamabad have been cancelled in the last minute. This disappointing development brings the situation back to square one as uncertainty over the end of war continues further. The reasons, however, are not disclosed. 

US President Trump on Saturday formally announced that he cancelled plans for two of his top advisers and special envoys, Witkoff and Kushner, who are appointed to lead the second round of truce talks with Iranian delegation. Earlier, Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, left Pakistan after holding discussions with the country’s leaders. The outcome of the discussion is not yet revealed.

Trump said, “I’ve told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, ‘Nope, you’re not making an 18 hour flight to go there. We have all the cards,’” Trump said in a statement. “They can call us anytime they want, but you’re not going to be making any more 18 hour flights to sit around talking about nothing.”

A few days ago, US Vice President and Trump’s close aide JD Vance went all the way to Islamabad and held negotiations with Iran. However, the meeting turned out to be futile as no mutual agreement was reached to put an end to the conflict as Iran refused to give up its nuclear ambitions though it agreed on all other conditions. 

Meanwhile, Trump started blocking the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which has been playing a decisive role in the entire confrontation. Iran also imposed restrictions and threatened that it would retaliate if Trump continues to dictate terms and control the waterway. 

In between, Israel has launched more deadly strikes on southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement recently extended by three weeks. In response, Iran-backed Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel. So, the war is far from over for now and the volatile situation is likely to prevail until both countries takes a stand to stop all military activity.