Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declared on Monday that Tehran will not accept any terms "beyond international law" effectively stalling hopes for a quick breakthrough in Islamabad.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims that a deal is imminent, Iranian officials insist that negotiations are a "waste of time" under current conditions.
Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Khatibzadeh urged the U.S. to abandon its "maximalist approach" and engage with mutual respect. He dismissed recent U.S. rhetoric as domestic posturing intended to influence markets.
The primary obstacle remains the U.S. naval blockade. Iranian sources indicated that until the blockade is lifted and the U.S. adopts a "realistic" stance, no Iranian delegation will join the Pakistani-mediated talks. Tehran also warned it remains prepared for "military confrontation" if the current diplomatic push is found to be a deceptive tactic.
Meanwhile, President Trump took to social media to defend the potential agreement, claiming it would be "far better" than the 2015 JCPOA.
Responding to critics who argue he is rushing a complex nuclear negotiation, Trump insisted the new deal would provide superior safeguards.
However, with the U.S. team reportedly en route to Pakistan and Iran refusing to attend the success of the Islamabad summit remains highly uncertain.
