Iran pulls out of talks as Trump threatens strikes
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline, Iran has refused to join the second round of negotiations, accusing Washington of making "excessive demands" and pursuing a contradictory approach while continuing a naval blockade it calls a violation of the truce.
The development comes even as US President Donald Trump announced that American negotiators will travel to Islamabad on Monday for fresh talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Trump, in a social media post on Sunday, did not disclose the composition of the US delegation. A previous round of in-person talks in Islamabad, led by US Vice President JD Vance, ended without a breakthrough.
The US president also accused Iran of violating the fragile two-week ceasefire -- set to expire Wednesday -- by allegedly opening fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. He issued a stark warning, threatening to target critical infrastructure if Tehran rejects Washington's proposal.
"We're offering a very fair and reasonable deal," Trump wrote. "If they don't [accept], the United States is going to knock out every single power plant, and every single bridge, in Iran."
Tehran has not directly responded to Trump's remarks on the proposed talks but has strongly criticised what it describes as a US naval blockade of its ports. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei termed the move "unlawful and criminal," adding that it amounts to "collective punishment" and could constitute a war crime.
Amid the rising tensions, Iran also addressed reports of a shooting incident involving India-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, urging restraint. Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, said he was unaware of the specifics but stressed strong bilateral ties and called for peace.
"We don't want this war. We want peace," he said, expressing hope for stability in the region.
With both sides trading accusations and standing firm on their positions, uncertainty looms over diplomatic efforts as the ceasefire deadline approaches.
