Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with the United States, even as mistrust deepens ahead of the expiry of a fragile ceasefire.
Speaking on Monday, President Masoud Pezeshkian said that every rational and diplomatic path should be used to reduce tensions with the US.
However, he emphasized that vigilance and distrust in dealings with Washington remain an “undeniable necessity,” according to state news agency IRNA.
A two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US is due to expire on Wednesday, raising concerns about a potential escalation.
US representatives are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Monday for fresh negotiations, but Tehran has yet to confirm whether it will send a delegation to Pakistan.
Iran signals hesitation over new talks
Iranian state television, quoting an informed but unnamed source, reported that there are currently no plans for a second round of negotiations.
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The report cited what it described as the US’s “excessive and irrational” demands, along with shifting positions, as key reasons behind Tehran’s reluctance.
Strait of Hormuz dispute
The two countries remain locked in a dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has tightened control over maritime transit in the area, while the US continues its blockade of Iranian ports.
Tensions escalated further after the US seized a vessel attempting to bypass the blockade on Sunday.
Both Iran and the United States have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement. Pezeshkian criticized the US blockade, saying it demonstrates Washington’s intent to repeat past patterns and “betray diplomacy,” according to Iranian state media.
With negotiations in Islamabad looming and no confirmation of Iran’s participation, the diplomatic path forward remains unclear.
As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the combination of military tensions and political mistrust continues to cast doubt over the prospects for lasting peace.
Also Read: Iran, US face-to-face: Both claim control of seized ship
On Sunday evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Iranian president had held a telephone conversation. During the approximately 45-minute cordial discussion, both leaders exchanged detailed views on the current regional situation.
The prime minister thanked Pezeshkian and the Iranian leadership for their participation in the Islamabad Talks and briefed him on his recent engagements with global leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Türkiye.
He also appreciated the constructive dialogue with Iranian leadership during the Field Marshal’s visit to Tehran and conveyed good wishes for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
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