Japanese officials: Hostage negotiations with ISIS are 'deadlocked'

Japanese and Jordanian officials are struggling to secure the release of two nationals being held by Islamic State militants, but they say negotiations are "deadlocked," Reuters reports.

"We can't predict (what will happen) at all," Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday. "While preparing for every situation, I want to make every effort for Mr. Goto's release."

ISIS militants have threatened to kill Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, along with Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasaesbeh. They said the latter would be spared if Jordan released would-be suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi, who is currently being held on death row in Amman.

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