Iran Dismisses Future Talks with the US Amid Ongoing Tensions
Iran's Stance on US Negotiations
On Monday, Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, announced that the nation has no intentions of engaging in further discussions with the United States. Following an initial round of negotiations that concluded without a consensus, it appears that the prospect of a second meeting is unlikely. Baghaei emphasized that the US has not learned from past experiences, which he believes will hinder any positive outcomes. He stated, "Currently, we do not have plans for another round of talks. We prioritize deadlines or ultimatums to safeguard Iran’s national interests."
The two nations had previously engaged in direct discussions in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, aimed at resolving their ongoing conflict, but these talks ended without an agreement. The announcement from US President Donald Trump regarding a new round of negotiations had initially raised hopes for an extension of a ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday.
Trump indicated on Sunday that American representatives would arrive in Islamabad for peace discussions with Iran. He shared on Truth Social, "My Representatives are going to Islamabad, Pakistan - They will be there tomorrow evening, for Negotiations." However, he also reiterated threats to target Iranian infrastructure if a peace agreement is not reached.
According to the White House, Vice President JD Vance, who led the first round of talks, is set to head the American delegation. Trump also mentioned that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff would accompany him. "Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are heading to the Middle East," Trump informed Fox News, adding that their meeting would commence on Tuesday morning and that much of the deal had already been agreed upon.
Despite Trump's announcement, Iranian officials have not confirmed the second round of discussions. Iranian media has labeled these reports as "false." Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi criticized the US for demonstrating ‘bad intentions and a lack of seriousness in diplomacy’ during a conversation with Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar. He pointed out that Washington's demands and threats towards Iranian maritime assets reflect a lack of sincerity in negotiations.
Notably, there was no reference to the upcoming US-Iran talks during a call between Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran's President Masoud Pezeskian earlier today.