President Masoud Pezeshkian has highlighted the contradiction between the US’s use of pressure tactics against Iran and its self-described willingness to engage in a diplomatic process with the Islamic Republic.
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The chief executive made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has been engaged in mediation between the two sides.
“This contradiction has deepened the level of mistrust [toward Washington] among the Iranian people and officials of the Islamic Republic,” the president added.
On April 7, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire in what was described as an unprovoked act of aggression targeting Iran. Talks subsequently took place in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, but stopped short of yielding an agreement due to the United States’ maximalist demands and its insistence on unreasonable positions.
Trump recently stated that he was unilaterally extending the ceasefire but ordered the continuation of an illegal blockade of Iranian vessels and ports.
After the first round of talks, American media outlets were rife with reports suggesting that a second round could take place in the Pakistani capital. However, the Islamic Republic has categorically refused to rejoin the process unless the US lifts the blockade. Tehran has also asserted that, as long as the blockade remains in place, it has no intention of reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which it has shut down to all traffic in retaliation.
“The continuation of hostile US measures, including a naval blockade, is inconsistent with its stated claims of pursuing a political resolution,” Pezeshkian said.
“As long as the United States’ hostile actions and operational pressures do not cease, rebuilding trust and making progress on the path of dialogue will face serious difficulties,” he stated.
The president advised Washington that, in order to create the conditions for resolving outstanding issues, it must first remove operational obstacles such as the blockade.
“The Islamic Republic will not enter into imposed negotiations under pressure, threats, or blockade.”
