Iran has announced it will not take part in a second round of peace talks with the United States that were expected to take place in Pakistan this week. According to statements carried by Islamic Republic News Agency, Iranian officials cited concerns over U.S. demands and ongoing military activity in the region as key reasons for their decision.
Tehran pointed to what it described as shifting positions and unrealistic expectations from Washington, along with a continued naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials argued that such actions undermine the conditions needed for productive negotiations and could violate the spirit of an existing ceasefire.
The development follows recent comments from Donald Trump, who indicated that talks were set to resume and that U.S. representatives, including envoy Steve Witkoff, would travel to Islamabad. However, there has been no official confirmation from Pakistani mediators that the meeting would proceed as planned.
Tensions between the two countries remain high as the ceasefire deadline approaches. Trump has urged Iran to accept terms related to its nuclear program and regional activity, while also issuing strong warnings about potential consequences if an agreement is not reached. These remarks have added to the already strained diplomatic environment.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected the accusations and defended his country’s position, stating that Iran’s nuclear efforts are focused on energy development and that its actions are defensive in nature. The situation underscores ongoing disagreements over security, diplomacy, and the future of negotiations between the two nations.