Iran Refuses to Join Second Round of Peace Talks, Citing U.S. ‘Unrealistic Demands’

The decision casts uncertainty over the meeting scheduled for Monday in Pakistan, which was expected to be held with mediation efforts.

According to IRNA, Tehran blamed several actions by Washington for its refusal to engage in the talks. Iran’s key complaints include excessive and unreasonable demands, unrealistic expectations, shifting positions at the negotiation table, and repeated contradictory statements from U.S. officials. The ongoing naval blockade was also cited as a major obstacle.

Iranian officials argue that the naval blockade imposed under President Donald Trump violates the current temporary ceasefire. They say maintaining the blockade while proposing negotiations creates a contradiction that undermines the diplomatic process.

Earlier, Tasnim News Agency had reported that Iran would not send any delegation to Pakistan as long as the U.S. naval blockade remains in place. Tehran has reiterated that it will not enter any form of negotiations while Iranian ports continue to be affected by the restrictions.

Meanwhile, a high-level U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the planned talks. Although Washington has described the meeting as a “last opportunity” for progress, Iran’s decision has put the entire process at risk.