Iran said it has no plans to attend a new round of peace talks with the United States in Pakistan, casting doubt on efforts to prevent a renewed outbreak of war in the Middle East. The announcement came after United States President Donald Trump said he was sending negotiators to Islamabad and warned of possible strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure if no agreement is reached.

Tensions have escalated following the United States seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, which Tehran described as a violation of a two week ceasefire. Both sides have accused each other of breaching the truce, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has restricted marine traffic, rattling global energy markets and driving up oil prices.

Iran has threatened retaliation over the ship seizure and the naval blockade, while the United States maintains that Tehran has undermined ceasefire terms. Disputes also persist over Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, with Tehran rejecting any transfer of the material despite claims from Trump that a deal was close.

Amid heightened security in Islamabad ahead of the proposed talks, uncertainty remains over whether diplomacy can resume or whether hostilities will intensify across the region, including in Lebanon, where a separate truce involving Israel and Hezbollah is also under strain.