Iran has said it is not planning to attend upcoming talks with the United States in Pakistan, citing tensions over a US naval blockade and recent military actions.
State media reported on Sunday that Tehran currently has no intention of participating in the next round of negotiations, despite US President Donald Trump directing American negotiators to travel to Pakistan ahead of the expiration of a Middle East ceasefire.
According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, “there are currently no plans to participate in the next round of Iran-US talks.”
Iranian outlets, including Fars and Tasnim, said the overall atmosphere for negotiations remains negative, with officials insisting that lifting the US blockade is a key precondition for dialogue.
Rising tensions
The situation has been further complicated by a confrontation at sea, where a US naval destroyer fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, identified as Touska.
President Trump said the ship attempted to breach the US blockade and was stopped after American forces “blew a hole in the engine room,” adding that US Marines had taken custody of the vessel.
In response, Iranian authorities warned of retaliation, with reports indicating that drones were deployed toward US military ships.
A spokesperson for Iran’s central command described the incident as “armed piracy,” warning that the country’s armed forces would respond.
Blockade dispute
The US blockade of Iranian ports remains a major sticking point in the stalled negotiations, with Tehran describing it as illegal and a violation of the ceasefire.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said the blockade amounts to collective punishment of the Iranian people.
The tensions come just days before the expiration of a two-week ceasefire involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, following a broader regional conflict.
Strategic pressure
The crisis has also affected the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas passes.
Iran briefly reopened the strait but shut it again after the US maintained its blockade, warning that unauthorised vessels could be targeted.
The disruption has heightened concerns about global energy supply and economic stability.
Diplomatic uncertainty
Only one round of talks has been held so far in Islamabad on 11 April, which ended without agreement.
Despite the uncertainty, security has been tightened in Islamabad ahead of a possible US delegation visit, expected to include Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff.
President Trump has expressed optimism, saying, “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable deal,” while also warning of further action if negotiations fail.
Nuclear issue
A key point of contention remains Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.
While Mr Trump claimed Iran had agreed to hand over its reserves, Tehran has denied this, insisting the material would not be transferred under any circumstances.
Iranian officials maintain that such demands have not been part of any negotiations.
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