Citing sources familiar with the ceasefire process, the reports said Tehran has informed mediators it is unwilling to meet US officials in Islamabad in the coming days and views Washington’s demands as unacceptable and unrealistic.

Amid reports of Iranian refusal, other regional players such as Turkey and Egypt are now exploring alternative venues for potential talks.

Options under consideration include Qatar and Istanbul.

Against this backdrop, recent public appearances by President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior diplomat Abbas Araqchi have been seen as an attempt to project defiance, while also signalling continued domestic support amid the diplomatic impasse.