Kochi: Iran rejects reports that Iran is taking part in the second round of peace talks with the United States blaming Washington for excessive demands, Times of India reported.
IRNA also dismissed reports of an imminent second round of talks in Islamabad as “not true”, calling them part of a “media game” and pressure campaign by the United States.
Iran cited US naval blockade and recent maritime incidents as reasons for key obstacles to diplomacy, Times quoted Iran’s official news agency IRNA.
There was “no clear prospect of fruitful negotiations” under current conditions.
Iranian ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam accused the US of undermining diplomacy through coercive measures.
The diplomatic breakdown comes against the backdrop of rising maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.
Iranian state outlets said the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains a central sticking point, with Tehran arguing it amounts to collective punishment.
Tensions escalated after a US warship intercepted and damaged an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to evade inspection. Washington claimed the ship was already under sanctions, while Iran condemned the incident as “armed piracy” and warned of retaliation.
Iran’s no to talks with US
