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Iran Rejects US Claims of Peace Talks, Accuses Washington of "Blame Game"

Iran has firmly denied U.S. claims that a second round of peace talks is scheduled in Islamabad, calling the announcement a "media game." The Iranian news agency IRNA criticized Washington for excessive demands and for breaching the ceasefire through an ongoing naval blockade. Meanwhile, U.S. officials express cautious optimism about behind-the-scenes negotiations, even as President Trump issues a final warning to Iran. The diplomatic standoff unfolds as a two-week ceasefire window is set to expire on April 22.

Key Points: Iran Denies US Claims of Scheduled Peace Talks in Islamabad

  • Iran denies agreeing to talks
  • Accuses US of "media game"
  • Ceasefire breach alleged
  • Trump warns "last chance" for diplomacy
  • Two-week ceasefire ends April 22
2 min read

Iran rejects second round of negotiation talks in Islamabad, cites 'excessive demands' and 'ceasefire breach' by US

Iran rejects US announcement of second-round negotiations, citing "excessive demands" and ceasefire breaches. Tensions rise as ceasefire deadline nears.

"The published news about the second round of negotiations in Islamabad is not true - IRNA news agency"

Tehran, April 20

Iran has rejected claims that it has agreed to participate in a second round of peace talks, which the United States said were scheduled for tomorrow, Al Jazeera reported.

Al Jazeera reported, citing the IRNA news agency, which criticised what it described as "Washington's excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire".

"The published news about the second round of negotiations in Islamabad is not true", it said, adding that "The news published by the United States is their media game and part of the 'blame game' to pressure Iran."

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the evolving West Asia tensions on Sunday, according to an X post of Sharif.

He further stated that he shared insights from his recent engagements with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism about the ongoing diplomatic efforts, saying the US "is not too far away from a deal", Al Jazeera reported.

"There are negotiations with the Iranians going on despite what you hear in the chatter in public. I think those are actually going well," Wright told Fox News Sunday.

He described US President Donald Trump as "a creative negotiator" who uses "pressure in different ways, uses uncertainty in different ways".

"I think we'll have a nice end of this conflict," Wright said, adding that restarting shipping "will take time but probably not too much time" once the Strait is reopened.

Earlier in the day, the US President Trump announced that American representatives, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will travel to Pakistan to pursue ceasefire negotiations with Iran, even as he warned of severe consequences if Tehran fails to agree to a deal.

"We're giving diplomacy one last chance... if Iran does not sign this deal... it will be my Honor to do what has to be done," Trump said.

The developments come as the two-week ceasefire window is nearing its end on April 22.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The naval blockade being called a ceasefire breach is a serious allegation. If the US wants real talks, they need to create a conducive environment, not just make public statements that contradict the situation on the ground. The two-week window is almost over – tensions are high.
A
Arjun K
From an Indian perspective, stability in West Asia is crucial for our energy security and for our diaspora there. This back-and-forth is worrying. PM Sharif engaging with regional leaders is a good step, but the US and Iran need to talk directly, not through press releases.
P
Priya S
Trump's "creative negotiator" style sounds more like bullying to me. "My Honor to do what has to be done" – such threats are not helpful for peace. Iran has legitimate grievances about shifting demands. Hope cooler heads prevail before the 22nd.
V
Vikram M
The Strait of Hormuz is a global chokepoint. Any conflict there will send oil prices soaring and hurt economies like India's badly. Both sides need to show flexibility. The US Energy Secretary's optimism and Iran's public rejection show how messy this is.
K
Karthik V
While I understand Iran's frustration, a complete rejection of talks isn't the answer either. The region can't afford another war. Pakistan's role is interesting – they have ties with both. Maybe they can be the honest broker that's needed.

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