Iran has indicated it will not participate in upcoming negotiations with the United States, according to reports from state media, as tensions between both countries continue to escalate ahead of the expiration of a Middle East ceasefire.
The development follows a directive from U.S. President Donald Trump for American negotiators to travel to Pakistan for renewed discussions. However, Iranian officials say there are currently no arrangements to attend such talks.
State outlets, including Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, quoted sources describing the atmosphere for dialogue as unfavorable, citing the ongoing U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports as a major obstacle. Iranian agencies have insisted that lifting the blockade remains a key condition for any meaningful negotiations.
The situation intensified after a U.S. naval vessel reportedly intercepted and seized an Iranian cargo ship accused of attempting to bypass the blockade. In response, Iranian authorities condemned the action and warned of retaliation, with reports suggesting drones were deployed toward U.S. military assets in the region.
Iranian officials described the seizure as an act of aggression, vowing that their armed forces would respond. The incident has further strained already fragile diplomatic efforts between the two sides.
The standoff comes as a temporary ceasefire involving Iran, Israel, and the United States nears its end. So far, only one round of talks—held earlier in Islamabad—has taken place, ending without a breakthrough.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran had briefly reopened the passage but quickly reinstated restrictions after the U.S. maintained its blockade. Iranian authorities have since warned that any vessel attempting to pass through without authorization could face consequences.
In Washington, Trump maintained that a “fair deal” remains on the table, while also warning of potential action if negotiations fail.
As uncertainty grows, security has been tightened in Pakistan’s capital ahead of the proposed talks, though Iran’s participation remains unclear. The ongoing dispute continues to raise concerns about global trade disruptions and broader instability in the region.
- AFP
- AFP