Iran turns down fresh US talks as ceasefire deadline nears (Img: Internet)
Tehran: Iran has formally rejected reports of a second round of direct negotiations with the United States, accusing Washington of shifting terms and applying coercive pressure. Officials in Tehran described claims of talks in Islamabad as inaccurate and politically motivated.
According to Iranian state media, the United States has made excessive demands while simultaneously altering the framework of an already fragile ceasefire agreement, making meaningful dialogue difficult.
A major point of contention remains the US-imposed naval restrictions on Iranian maritime routes. Washington has defended the measures as necessary to curb weapons transfers and maintain regional stability. However, Tehran has labelled the blockade as a violation of the ceasefire and an act of unlawful pressure.
Tensions escalated further after a reported confrontation at sea involving a US naval vessel and an Iranian-flagged ship. Iranian authorities warned of possible retaliation, framing the incident as a direct challenge to national sovereignty.
US President Donald Trump has reiterated that failure to reach an agreement could result in large-scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure. While maintaining that Washington remains open to diplomacy, Trump emphasized that any deal must meet what he described as fair and reasonable terms.
He also expressed confidence that a framework for an agreement already exists, though his administration’s continued push for talks in Islamabad has been met with scepticism in Tehran.
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The developments come as a two-week ceasefire involving Iran, the United States, and Israel is set to expire on April 22. The truce followed a rapid escalation triggered by strikes on Iranian facilities earlier this year.
With only days remaining, uncertainty surrounds the prospects of extending the ceasefire or reaching a broader agreement.
