Snubbed By Iran, Pakistan's Mediation Bid Stumbles, US V-P's Islamabad Trip Delayed Twice | Exclusive

Last Updated:April 04, 2026, 08:49 IST

Intel sources said Iran has consistently rejected a Pakistan-hosted framework for talks, viewing it as an initiative driven by Islamabad rather than a mutually agreed platform

Pakistan’s attempt to position itself as a key mediator between the United States and Iran has hit repeated roadblocks, with Iran declining to participate in proposed talks and a planned high-level US visit to Islamabad being postponed twice.

Speaking to a select group of journalists in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said a US delegation led by Vice-President JD Vance was ready to travel to Pakistan for mediation talks, but the visit could not go ahead after Iran backed out at the last minute.

According to details accessed by CNN-News18 from the off-the-record briefing, Dar claimed that Washington had agreed to Pakistan’s mediation proposal, and that the two sides had come “very close" to holding talks in Islamabad on at least two occasions over the past 10 days.

However, both attempts fell through.

Iran reconsidered its position and chose not to send its delegation, leading to the postponement of the US visit, Dar indicated during the interaction.

Iran Reluctant, Rejects Pakistan Framework

Dar acknowledged that Iran has been hesitant about engaging through Pakistan, confirming that Tehran has not fully bought into the proposed mediation format.

Top intelligence sources cited by CNN-News18 said Iran has consistently rejected a Pakistan-hosted framework for US-Iran talks, viewing it as an initiative driven by Islamabad rather than a mutually agreed platform.

Iran has also publicly distanced itself from such efforts, describing these diplomatic forums as Pakistan’s own initiatives in which it is not participating.

Security Calculus: IRGC Factor

Adding another layer, Dar told journalists that elements within Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) favour prolonging the conflict.

The IRGC wants a “long war" with the US and Israel, Dar said, suggesting internal divisions within Iran could be influencing its reluctance to engage diplomatically.

Pakistan’s Push And Its Limits

Despite the setbacks, Pakistani officials, including Dar and senior government figures, have publicly maintained optimism about hosting talks in the coming days.

The flurry of high-profile briefings and media interactions in Islamabad reflects Pakistan’s effort to project itself as a credible diplomatic intermediary amid rising tensions.

But Indian intelligence sources paint a more cautious picture. They describe Pakistan’s mediation bid as “opportunistic", aimed at regaining diplomatic relevance with Washington and key Gulf partners, especially at a time when Islamabad is seeking to rebuild ties with the US.

According to these sources, Pakistan is attempting to leverage the crisis to enhance its strategic visibility. They also said Iran’s repeated refusals highlight the limits of Islamabad’s influence, noting that Tehran remains wary of Pakistan’s strategic alignment with the US, making it an unlikely neutral facilitator.

A Mediation Effort In Limbo

The developments underscore a widening gap between Pakistan’s diplomatic ambitions and ground realities.

While Islamabad claims progress and US backing, Iran’s continued reluctance suggests that any breakthrough remains distant.

For now, the postponement of the US Vice President’s visit serves as a clear signal: Pakistan’s mediation efforts may be active, but they are far from being accepted by all sides involved.

News world Snubbed By Iran, Pakistan's Mediation Bid Stumbles, US V-P's Islamabad Trip Delayed Twice | Exclusive

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