Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not hold negotiations out of fear of pressure, reiterating that the country remains firm on protecting its national security.
The remarks come amid an ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran that began on February 28. The report said Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz led to an international energy shortage.
US President Donald Trump had announced an extension of the ceasefire until May 1 to facilitate talks. However, after an initial round of discussions ended without success, a second round linked to the ceasefire was expected in Pakistan.
Iran’s delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, travelled to Pakistan, and a US team was also expected to arrive. The report said Trump later cancelled the US delegation’s trip.
In a phone call with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian criticised the US for what he described as coercive actions. He also alleged that Washington was violating ceasefire agreements, calling it contrary to the UN Charter, and stressed that Iran would not negotiate under pressure.
