Washington, April 2026 : Iran has reiterated its firm stance against negotiating under pressure, as tensions with the United States continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Iran\u2019s Ambassador to Pakistan, stated on Tuesday that meaningful negotiations cannot take place in an atmosphere of coercion or threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a post on X, Moghadam emphasised that a nation with a rich civilisational heritage like Iran would not engage in talks under force. He described this position as a fundamental principle guiding Tehran\u2019s diplomatic approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The remarks come amid a fragile ceasefire that took effect on April 8 following 40 days of intense conflict. While Pakistan has played a mediating role by hosting indirect talks between Tehran and Washington in Islamabad earlier this month, uncertainty looms over the next round of negotiations, with Iran yet to confirm its participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Echoing the ambassador\u2019s stance, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran\u2019s Parliament, also dismissed the idea of negotiations under pressure. He accused US President Donald Trump of attempting to transform diplomatic talks into what he termed a \u201ctable of surrender\u201d by imposing blockades and allegedly violating the ceasefire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ghalibaf warned that Iran would not accept such conditions and indicated that Tehran was prepared to respond strategically if tensions escalated further. \u201cWe do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,\u201d he said, hinting at possible countermeasures if the situation deteriorates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, Iran\u2019s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi pointed to what he described as \u201cprovocative actions\u201d by the United States as major obstacles to continuing peace talks. During separate conversations with his counterparts in Pakistan and Russia, Araghchi criticised US actions targeting Iranian commercial shipping, including the reported seizure of the container vessel Touska.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also highlighted what he called contradictory signals from Washington\u2014simultaneously expressing willingness for dialogue while maintaining a confrontational posture through military and economic measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to reports by Tasnim News Agency, Iran\u2019s participation in future negotiations will depend on whether the United States meets certain preconditions. These include lifting the naval blockade and refraining from what Tehran views as excessive demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Araghchi reiterated that Iran\u2019s decision to continue diplomatic engagement would be based on a comprehensive assessment of US actions and overall developments. He stressed that safeguarding national interests and security would remain Tehran\u2019s top priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the ceasefire hangs in balance, the deepening mistrust between the two sides continues to cast doubt over the prospects of a breakthrough, raising concerns about a potential escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.