Iran announced that it will not take part in a second round of negotiations with the United States scheduled to take place in Pakistan this week, citing disagreements over American demands and the continued naval blockade in the Gulf.

In a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran outlined its reasons for declining participation. “Iran stated that its absence from the second round of talks stems from what it called Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire,” the report said.

The announcement came just hours after President Donald Trump told The New York Post that diplomatic discussions were set to resume in Pakistan in the coming days.

According to Trump, a U.S. delegation that includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Islamabad on Monday. However, officials in Pakistan have not publicly confirmed that such a meeting will take place.

Iran’s decision to stay away from the talks underscores the continued strain between Washington and Tehran as the current ceasefire approaches its expiration later this week.

Trump has been pressing Iran to agree to a deal that would include relinquishing its nuclear materials and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He has also renewed warnings of potential military action targeting key infrastructure if Tehran does not comply.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday.

“NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” he added.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by condemning the remarks and rejecting accusations that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.

He insisted that Iran’s nuclear activities are limited to energy production and portrayed the country’s actions as defensive in nature, despite its involvement in conflicts across the region.

“We are pacifists and what we are doing is legitimate self-defense,” he asserted, according to Press TV.

{Matzav.com}