An Iranian negotiator returned to Pakistan on Sunday, despite the United States abruptly calling off a trip there by its two top negotiators.

Cease-fires in Lebanon and Iran are on shaky ground, with military attacks flaring and direct talks between Washington and Tehran to end their war stalled.

Officials had locked the city down, anticipating talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations. But they didn’t happen. “What did I close my business for?” one business owner asked.