Tehran: Iran will not participate in the second round of talks with the US in Pakistan, state media reported on Sunday.
Iran’s decision came hours after US President Donald Trump announced that his representatives will travel to Islamabad on Monday.
Hopes of a long-term peace before the ceasefire expires on April 22 faded after Tehran confirmed it wouldn’t take part in the talks. Iran blamed Washington’s “excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions”, and an ongoing US naval blockade of its ports, which it considers a breach of the truce, Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref flayed the US approach to negotiations, saying American positions were “childish” and inconsistent.
Trump’s lengthy post on Truth Social, asking Iran to take “the very fair and reasonable deal” was followed by a warning. He threatened to knock out all power plants, bridges in Iran if they don’t take the deal, adding that “It’s time for the Iran killing machine to end”.
Trump initially said JD Vance won’t be part of peace talks 2.0, but said later the Vice-President will again lead the delegation to Islamabad.
