Iran refuses to meet U.S. negotiators in Pakistan

Iran told mediators that it will not meet with American officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, and has rejected U.S. demands, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

The decision is the latest blow to President Donald Trump's efforts to broker an agreement to end the war, which began nearly five weeks ago. Trump stated this week that Iran had asked for a ceasefire, though he may have referenced a public comment from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressing openness to a ceasefire in exchange for security guarantees.

During a prime-time address this week, Trump declared that he planned to escalate attacks on Iran for the next 2-3 weeks in a bid to force the country to capitulate.

Polling data has consistently shown the conflict to be unpopular and the prospect of boots on the ground in Iran has the normally polarized American public, united in their opposition.

Nevertheless, troop deployments to the region have heightened speculation that Trump may attempt some form of limited ground operation, such as the seizure of Kharg or Qeshm island, or a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.