Iran Declines Participation in Second Round of US Peace Talks

Tehran — Iran has rejected reports suggesting it would take part in a second round of peace talks with the United States, according to its official news agency IRNA.

IRNA stated that Tehran’s decision stems from what it described as Washington’s “excessive demands,” shifting positions, and continued contradictions, along with the ongoing naval blockade, which Iran views as a violation of the ceasefire. The agency also dismissed claims that fresh talks were scheduled to take place in Islamabad, calling such reports inaccurate and part of a broader “media game” aimed at pressuring Iran.

According to the report, Iranian officials believe the current conditions offer little scope for meaningful progress in negotiations. The agency added that repeated changes in the US stance and what it termed “unrealistic expectations” have stalled diplomatic efforts so far.

Tensions between the two sides escalated sharply following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28. The attacks reportedly killed several senior figures, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with military personnel and civilians.

In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and US assets across the region, while also tightening its control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a key global energy route.

A ceasefire was eventually reached on April 8, followed by negotiations between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. However, those talks failed to produce a breakthrough, and the situation remains tense, with no clear path forward for renewed dialogue at this stage.

With inputs from IANS