I understand that’s it’s important to use the term “mixed messages” about Iranian war diplomacy because it does actually tell you something relevant about the conflict, but at the same time noting that Iranian rhetoric may be slightly incoherent at this point would seem to do grave injustice to the elephant in the room: Iran on Monday sharpened its threats to retaliate for the United States’ seizure of an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, adding to pressure on the fragile cease-fire set to expire this week. Iranian officials have sent mixed messages about potential peace talks with the United States.

President Trump said that American negotiators were heading to Pakistan for the meeting, and a White House official said that Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the delegation. It was unclear whether Iran would send representatives. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman said Monday that there were “no plans” at the moment for further talks.

But Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, said that while Iran must stand firm “against injustice and excessive demands,” continuing the war “benefits no one.” The conflicting signals echoed those Iran sent before the first round of talks, last weekend, which ended without an agreement to end the war. Iran had cast doubt on the negotiations even taking place, but its delegation arrived just hours later.