Iran sets condition for talks, demands end to US naval blockade

Iran has said it is willing to resume negotiations with the United States once Washington lifts its naval blockade, describing the move as a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue.

According to a post by Tasnim News Agency on X, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran is prepared to begin talks immediately after the blockade is removed.

“If they want to sit on [the] table and discuss and find a political solution, they will find us ready. If they want to go to the war, in this case also, Iran is ready for that,” he said.

He also accused the US of violating the ceasefire, stressing that Washington must first halt what Iran considers breaches of the truce before negotiations can proceed.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions despite a recent extension of the ceasefire, with the US continuing to enforce restrictions on Iran’s maritime trade routes, a key point of contention between the two sides.

Iran has repeatedly criticised the blockade as a hostile measure and has maintained that it will not engage in talks under pressure, leaving the future of diplomacy uncertain.