Iran Ceasefire Nears End as Its President Urges Diplomacy but Warns Against U.S. Trust

As tensions between Iran and the United States continue, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday stressed that all rational and diplomatic paths must be used to reduce conflict, while warning that distrust toward Washington remains necessary. His remarks come as a fragile two-week ceasefire between both countries is set to expire on Wednesday, with uncertainty growing over the next steps in negotiations. U.S. representatives are expected in Islamabad for talks, but Iran has not confirmed participation, and state media reported no plans for further negotiations, citing “excessive and irrational” U.S. demands. Disputes over the Strait of Hormuz have intensified, with Iran tightening control over transit and the U.S. maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports, including seizing a vessel. Both sides accuse each other of breaching the ceasefire, raising fears of renewed escalation.