Iran has firmly rejected renewed diplomatic engagement with the United States, casting doubt on planned negotiations in Islamabad this week despite the imminent arrival of a high-level US delegation. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated on Monday that Tehran sees 'no possibility' for fresh talks, citing Washington's 'repeated betrayals' of previous agreements and recent attacks on Iranian assets.
The hardening stance comes as US Vice President JD Vance prepares to lead talks aimed at salvaging a fragile Pakistan-brokered ceasefire set to expire Wednesday. Tensions escalated further after US Marines seized an Iranian-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, with Iran subsequently reasserting control over the critical oil shipping lane.
'The warlike situation created by Washington leaves no room for unilateral Iranian concessions,' Baghaei warned, referencing ongoing US naval blockades. President Donald Trump has threatened renewed military action if no agreement is reached before the ceasefire deadline.
Nuclear negotiations remain at an impasse, with Baghaei dismissing reports about transferring enriched uranium abroad as 'completely baseless.' While Axios reports potential discussions about a $20 billion frozen funds exchange, Iranian parliamentarian Ebrahim Azizi emphasized Tehran would only negotiate 'without preconditions.'
Analysts warn the standoff threatens global energy security, with 20% of the world's oil supply passing through the contested Strait of Hormuz. Business leaders are closely monitoring developments that could impact Asian markets and shipping routes.
