Iran on Wednesday said it will only return to talks with the United States once Washington lifts its naval blockade, setting a clear condition amid ongoing ceasefire tensions.
According to Tasnim News Agency, which cited an interview with Rudlaw News Network at the UN headquarters, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani stated that Tehran is willing to resume negotiations only if the US ends what it calls ceasefire violations, particularly the maritime blockade.
“The United States’ naval blockade is a breach of the ceasefire,” Iravani said, adding that Iran has informed Washington that dialogue can begin only after the restrictions are removed. He noted there are indications the US may consider easing the blockade, and suggested fresh talks could be held in Istanbul if that happens.
Iravani reiterated that Iran remains open to a political resolution but is also ready to escalate if required, stressing that Tehran did not start the conflict.
Despite an indefinite ceasefire extension announced by Donald Trump at Pakistan’s request, tensions between the US and Iran persist. The move followed appeals from Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir, while the White House indicated that JD Vance will not visit Pakistan, highlighting uncertainty around the peace process.
Pakistan is intensifying efforts to revive dialogue, with Al Jazeera reporting, citing a government source, that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is consulting ministers on ways to bring Iran back to the negotiating table. He is expected to meet the foreign and interior ministers to explore possible options.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported, citing Vortexa shipping data, that Iran continues to export crude oil despite the US embargo, with tankers finding ways to bypass restrictions and access global markets.
In a separate development, Iran’s judiciary said a citizen convicted of passing sensitive information to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency has been sentenced to death.
