Iran Blames US for Collapse of ‘Islamabad MoU’ as Maritime Blockade Escalates Tensions

Tehran, April 2026 : Iran has accused the United States of sabotaging a near-breakthrough agreement following more than 21 hours of high-level negotiations, claiming that Washington’s “maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade tactics” derailed what was “inches away” from becoming the proposed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had entered into the most significant direct engagement with the United States in 47 years with sincerity and a genuine intent to end the ongoing conflict. However, he expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating that despite progress, the talks collapsed at a critical juncture.

“In intensive talks at the highest level in 47 years, Iran engaged with the US in good faith to end war. But when just inches away from the ‘Islamabad MoU’, we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade. Zero lessons earned,” Araghchi said, underlining the frustration within Iran’s leadership.

Echoing similar sentiments, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that the door to diplomacy remains open, but only if Washington changes its approach. He called on the US to abandon what he described as “totalitarian” behaviour and to respect Iran’s sovereignty and rights.

“If the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation, ways to reach an agreement will certainly be found,” Pezeshkian said, while also praising Iran’s negotiating team for its efforts.

The diplomatic fallout comes amid a sharp escalation on the ground. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has announced the enforcement of a sweeping maritime blockade targeting vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports. The move is being implemented by the US Central Command and marks a significant intensification of pressure on Tehran.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade will apply to “all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports,” including those along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. However, US forces have stated that ships transiting the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian ports will not be obstructed.

Officials have advised commercial shipping operators to remain alert, monitor navigation warnings, and maintain communication with US naval forces operating in the region.

The blockade announcement followed remarks by Trump confirming that negotiations had stalled over Iran’s nuclear programme, despite reported progress on several other issues. Washington has maintained a hardline stance, insisting that Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions entirely.

The collapse of the talks and the subsequent military and economic measures have raised concerns about further escalation in an already volatile region. Analysts warn that the breakdown of near-finalised agreements, coupled with aggressive posturing on both sides, could push the situation closer to open confrontation.

Despite the setback, both sides have left the possibility of future negotiations open, though significant differences remain unresolved.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)