Iran Stands Firm: No Talks Under US Blockade

Iran refuses to negotiate with the US while a blockade on its ports remains. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated this to Pakistan's Prime Minister. Meanwhile, US President Trump has canceled a trip by envoys to Islamabad, and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to return to Pakistan.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday night told Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Iran will not engage in negotiations under the current US blockade, as reported by Iranian news agencies ISNA and Tasnim. Pezeshkian stated that operational obstacles, including the blockade, should be removed first.

The diplomatic discussions, held amid strict security measures in Islamabad, did not make a breakthrough in rekindling negotiations. Earlier, President Donald Trump halted plans for his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to visit Islamabad for discussions with Iran, suggesting that Iran could initiate a call instead.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a short visit to Islamabad, but left without significant progress. He is now expected to return after a trip to Oman and consultations in Tehran, aiming to discuss the end of regional conflicts.