Tensions flickered like a faulty signal light Sunday as Iran denied it would join a new round of negotiations with the United States, casting doubt over whether us iran talks to resume on monday will proceed as planned.

Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported the denial without citing a specific source, directly contradicting earlier remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said American negotiators were en route to Islamabad for renewed talks.

According to IRNA, Tehran’s refusal stems from what it described as Washington’s “excessive demands,” shifting positions, and the ongoing naval blockade—factors it says violate the fragile ceasefire.

Trump Issues Stark Warning Ahead of Talks

Hours before Iran’s denial surfaced, Trump painted a very different picture, announcing that U.S. representatives would arrive in Pakistan’s capital by Monday evening.

“My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan — They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations,” he posted on Truth Social.

But the diplomatic tone quickly sharpened into a warning. Trump said failure to reach an agreement could trigger sweeping U.S. strikes.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable deal,” he wrote, adding that if rejected, the U.S. would target Iran’s critical infrastructure. “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!”

Delegation Uncertainty Adds to Confusion

Two senior U.S. officials said Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the delegation, alongside envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Yet in a separate interview, Trump indicated Vance might not attend due to security concerns, adding another layer of uncertainty to already fragile diplomacy.

Strait of Hormuz Standoff Raises Stakes

The diplomatic confusion unfolds against a volatile backdrop in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies.

Iran has restricted passage for foreign vessels since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28. Although Tehran briefly signaled it would reopen the waterway, it reversed course after Trump refused to lift a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.

“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — a total violation of our ceasefire agreement,” Trump said.

Gunfire incidents involving Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats targeting vessels have further heightened tensions, even as crews escaped unharmed.

The disruption has rattled global markets, with oil prices swinging sharply amid fears of a prolonged supply shock. Before the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude passed through the strait.

Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts Continue

Despite the diplomatic fog, Pakistan continues to play mediator. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke Sunday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who thanked Islamabad for its efforts—though no mention was made of rejecting talks.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held discussions with Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue.

Meanwhile, Islamabad is tightening security. U.S. cargo planes carrying equipment have landed, roads are closing, and the Serena Hotel—site of prior talks—has been cleared of guests, signaling preparations are underway despite uncertainty.

Iran Signals Readiness for Conflict

Iranian officials struck a defiant tone. Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said negotiations do not signal weakness.

“It is not the case that we think just because we are negotiating, the armed forces are not ready,” he said, warning that Iran could further restrict traffic in the Strait of Hormuz if the blockade continues.

Military Buildup Shadows Ceasefire

As the two-week ceasefire nears expiration, Iran is rebuilding its missile and drone capabilities, according to Brig. Gen. Seyed Majid Mousavi.

State media aired footage of replenished arsenals, underscoring how diplomacy and military escalation are unfolding side by side—like parallel tracks racing toward an uncertain junction.

Nuclear Dispute Remains a Flashpoint

Iran also rejected U.S. claims regarding its nuclear program. President Pezeshkian questioned Washington’s authority to limit Iran’s nuclear rights, while Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh dismissed suggestions that enriched uranium would be handed over.

“This is a non-starter,” he said.

Trump, however, insisted Iran had agreed to relinquish its stockpile and warned the U.S. could seize nuclear materials if necessary.

A Diplomatic Crossroads

Last weekend’s talks in Islamabad ended without agreement, and proposals delivered through Pakistan remain under review by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

The council reiterated that further negotiations hinge on the U.S. abandoning what it calls “excessive demands.”

As markets brace and militaries reposition, the question remains whether us iran talks to resume on monday will materialize—or dissolve like a mirage in a geopolitical desert.