Tehran, April 21: Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has stated that the United States’ “provocative actions” and ceasefire violations pose significant obstacles to continuing peace talks between the two nations.
In separate phone conversations with his Pakistani and Russian counterparts, Araghchi condemned US actions against Iranian commercial shipping, including the alleged seizure of the container ship Tosca and its crew. According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, he also referenced Washington’s “contradictory policies and threatening rhetoric.”
The ceasefire, which was implemented on April 8 after 40 days of fighting, remains fragile. Reports from Xinhua News Agency indicate that Pakistan has mediated indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, hosting the first round in Islamabad on April 11-12. However, Iran has not confirmed its participation in the next round.
The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran’s involvement depends on Washington fulfilling preconditions, including lifting the US naval blockade and addressing “excessive demands” identified as major hurdles.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran will decide whether to continue diplomacy based on “all aspects of the issue” and US behavior. He added that Tehran will take necessary steps to protect its interests and national security.
Earlier on Monday, Iran clarified that it has not yet made a decision regarding participation in the next round of talks, citing Washington’s “contradictory actions.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bakai stated during a weekly press conference in Tehran, “So far, we have not made any decision regarding the next round of talks.” He criticized the US for engaging in contradictory actions while claiming to pursue diplomacy. He noted that since the ceasefire began, Iran has faced “bad faith and constant complaints” from Washington.
He clarified that the US initially claimed that the Lebanon ceasefire was not part of the agreement, despite contrary assertions being made.
Tensions have escalated since February 28, following joint US-Israel attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, resulting in the deaths of Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. In response, Iran launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US bases in the Middle East.
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