AKIPRESS.COM - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that ongoing U.S. provocations, specifically attacks on Iranian merchant ships and violations of the current truce, serve as the primary barriers to continued negotiations with Washington.

During a discussion with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, Araghchi emphasized that Washington’s contradictory stance and threatening rhetoric have stalled the diplomatic process.

While U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that an American delegation has arrived in Islamabad for a second round of talks scheduled for April 21, 2026, Iranian officials have officially denied their participation in this session.

The tension follows an unsuccessful first meeting on April 11, where both parties failed to reach an agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program and shipping regulations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Following that impasse, the U.S. announced a blockade of Iranian ports, to which Iran responded by reclaiming military control over the strategic waterway on April 18.

Araghchi noted that a final decision on future diplomatic engagement has not yet been reached, as Tehran continues to evaluate the complex security situation from all angles.