Efforts to end the two-month US–Israeli conflict with Iran have faltered, with negotiations collapsing into stalemate and both sides refusing to soften their positions. A series of cancelled visits and failed mediation attempts has further dimmed hopes of a breakthrough, leaving the confrontation unresolved and tensions across the Middle East elevated.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi returned from Pakistan without progress, while planned trips by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were called off by President Donald Trump. The cancellations underscored widening gaps between Washington and Tehran, as diplomatic channels struggled to gain traction.
The conflict, which began with US–Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026, has already had significant global consequences. Energy markets remain under strain, with oil prices rising to multi-year highs and contributing to inflationary pressure worldwide. Shipping disruptions and restricted exports have added further instability to global supply chains.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a phone call that Tehran would not participate in what he called “imposed negotiations” conducted under pressure or blockade. He said any talks would require the removal of “operational obstacles,” including restrictions affecting Iranian ports.
Araqchi described his visit to Islamabad as “very fruitful,” though Iranian officials later clarified that no agreement was reached. A diplomatic source in Pakistan said Tehran rejected what it described as “maximalist demands” from the United States.
President Trump, speaking in Florida, said the envoys’ trip was cancelled due to what he called excessive travel for insufficient proposals from Iran. Posting on social media platform Truth Social, he claimed there was “tremendous infighting and confusion” within Iran’s leadership, adding that the United States held stronger negotiating leverage.
Iranian officials rejected those claims, insisting the country remained unified under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Regional tensions have continued to escalate alongside the diplomatic deadlock. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered renewed strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, testing an already fragile ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Iran has restricted access through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, while the United States maintains pressure on Iranian oil exports. The waterway typically handles around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Although White House officials previously suggested limited progress and expressed readiness for further talks, including potential travel by Vice President JD Vance, no new negotiations have been scheduled. Earlier rounds of discussions in Islamabad ended without agreement.
With diplomacy stalled and military activity continuing across multiple fronts, the conflict remains entrenched, with no clear path toward resolution.
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