Iran Blames US Actions for Stalling Peace Talks Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Tehran, April 2026 : Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of engaging in “provocative actions” and violating the ceasefire, warning that such moves are undermining ongoing efforts to sustain peace negotiations between the two countries.

During separate phone conversations with his counterparts from Pakistan and Russia, Araghchi strongly criticised Washington’s recent actions, particularly targeting Iranian commercial shipping. He referred to the reported seizure of the container vessel Touska and its crew, describing it as a hostile act that complicates diplomatic engagement. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, he also pointed to what he called “contradictory positions and rhetoric of threat” from the US as key impediments to progress.

A ceasefire between the two sides, which came into effect on April 8 following 40 days of intense conflict, remains fragile. Pakistan has played a mediating role, hosting indirect talks between Tehran and Washington in Islamabad on April 11 and 12. However, Iran has not yet confirmed its participation in the next round of negotiations, casting doubt over the continuation of the diplomatic process.

Reports indicate that Iran’s decision to join further talks depends on certain preconditions being met by the United States. Iranian officials have cited the ongoing US naval blockade and what they describe as “excessive demands” as major obstacles. Araghchi stated that Tehran would assess “all aspects of the issue,” including US conduct, before deciding on the future of negotiations. He emphasised that Iran remains committed to safeguarding its national interests and security.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei reiterated that no final decision has been made regarding participation in upcoming talks. Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Tehran, he accused Washington of pursuing a dual approach—publicly advocating diplomacy while simultaneously taking actions that undermine trust.

Baqaei claimed that since the ceasefire began, Iran has encountered “bad faith and constant complaints” from the US. He also highlighted inconsistencies in Washington’s stance, noting that the US initially suggested Lebanon was not included in the ceasefire, despite conflicting statements.

The tensions come in the aftermath of joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities beginning February 28, which resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian figures, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with military commanders and civilians. Iran retaliated with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US assets across the Middle East.

With mistrust deepening and both sides maintaining firm positions, the prospects for sustained peace talks remain uncertain, raising concerns about a potential escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.

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