Iran’s president urges diplomacy but remains wary of U.S. intentions

WEB DESK: The fragile peace between Washington and Tehran appears to be disintegrating as Iranian officials ruled out a second round of negotiations in Islamabad, citing “unrealistic” US demands and the recent seizure of an Iranian vessel.

The two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday amidst a sharp escalation in maritime tensions and diplomatic deadlock.

While US representatives are scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Monday to attempt a second round of peace talks, Tehran has signaled it has no plans to attend.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated there is currently “no plan” for further dialogue, accusing Washington of lacking seriousness and committing “violent acts” that have undermined the diplomatic process.

Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz

The standoff reached a critical point on Sunday when the US military fired upon and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that allegedly attempted to bypass the American blockade of Iranian ports.

US Central Command confirmed that Marines rappelled from helicopters to take custody of the vessel after a six-hour standoff.

President Donald Trump took to social media to announce the seizure, stating, “We have full custody of their ship, and are seeing what’s on board!”

Tehran has branded the incident “armed piracy,” claiming the ship was carrying commercial goods from China. The Iranian armed forces have vowed retaliation, though they noted a delayed response to ensure the safety of crew members’ families on board.

This maritime friction has caused immediate tremors in global markets, with oil prices jumping as traders fear a total closure of the Strait of Hormuz a vital artery that handles approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Diplomatic deadlock and red lines

Despite the arrival of US security equipment and personnel in Islamabad, the gulf between the two adversaries remains vast.

President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that while diplomacy is a “rational path,” distrust of Washington remains an “undeniable necessity.”

Iranian officials have been particularly vocal regarding their “red lines,” with Baghaei clarifying that the removal of nuclear stockpiles was “never an option” and that Tehran’s defensive missile programme remains non-negotiable.

“We do not believe in deadlines or ultimatums when it comes to safeguarding Iran’s national interests,” Baghaei told reporters during a news conference on Monday.

The situation is further complicated by President Trump’s recent rhetoric, including threats to target Iranian civilian infrastructure if terms are rejected.

In response, Iran has warned it would target power and desalination plants in neighbouring Gulf states that host US bases.

As Islamabad prepares for a high-level delegation potentially led by Vice President JD Vance the international community, including China, has urged both parties to maintain the “momentum of the ceasefire” to prevent the eight-week conflict from spiralling into a total regional conflagration.