Iran Refuses New Talks with US Amid Ongoing Tensions
Iran's Stance on US Negotiations
File image of Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh (Photo: @aprajitanefes/X)
Türkiye, April 19: Following the reintroduction of restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz due to unsuccessful initial negotiations, Iran has expressed its unwillingness to engage in new direct discussions with US representatives.
During a diplomatic forum in Türkiye, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated, “We are not yet prepared to move forward to a formal meeting as the Americans have not yet shifted from their maximalist stance.”
Khatibzadeh emphasized that Iran aims to finalize a “framework agreement” before any in-person discussions can take place.
He further clarified that Iran will not transfer its enriched uranium to the United States, firmly dismissing assertions made by former US President Donald Trump.
“I assure you that no enriched material will be sent to the United States,” he reiterated.
Trump had previously claimed that the US would enter Iran to retrieve “all the nuclear dust,” referring to approximately 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium believed to be located at nuclear sites reportedly damaged by US military actions last year.
Khatibzadeh remarked, “This is a non-starter, and while we are open to addressing our concerns, we will not accept unreasonable demands.”
He noted that multiple communications had occurred between the two parties, but the US continues to insist on demands that Iran views as excessive.
When asked about potential retaliation against renewed Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite a ceasefire, Khatibzadeh stated, “Iran has no choice but to stop aggressors once and for all.”
Trump had previously indicated that Israel was “prohibited” by the US from conducting further strikes on Lebanon, asserting that “enough is enough” regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
However, the US State Department later clarified that this restriction only pertains to offensive actions, not self-defense measures.
Khatibzadeh reiterated that Iran's actions are defensive, responding to unprovoked aggression amid ongoing negotiations.
In the meantime, Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to limit maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as long as the US blockade on Iranian ports remains in effect, while mediators are working to extend a ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday.
The competing blockades have complicated mediation efforts led by Pakistan and raised concerns about the possibility of extending the two-week truce.
“It is impossible for others to navigate the Strait of Hormuz while we are unable to,” stated Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf in a recent interview broadcast on state television.
Trump, however, has insisted that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue and warned that military actions could resume if an agreement with Iran is not reached.
Reports indicate that Pakistan is preparing to host a second round of crucial talks between the US and Iran next week, following the conclusion of the first round of direct negotiations early Sunday without any agreement.