US-Iran Talks in Jeopardy After Cargo Ship Seizure and Trump Ultimatum

US President Donald Trump said American negotiators would travel to Islamabad for talks this week. But Iranian officials sent conflicting signals, with state media suggesting Tehran could skip the discussions, citing Washington's "excessive demands", according to The Wall Street Journal.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the country has "no plans for the next round of negotiations," adding: "We don't believe in deadlines or ultimatums to secure Iran's national interests," according to CNN.

The diplomatic uncertainty follows a sharp escalation in the Gulf of Oman, where US forces fired on and seized an Iranian cargo vessel after it allegedly tried to breach a naval blockade, CNN reported.

Iran condemned the move as "maritime highway robbery" and warned it would respond, while state-linked Tasnim agency said Tehran "will take the necessary action" once the "safety of the families and crew of the vessel" is ensured, according to CNN.

Trump, meanwhile, struck a hard line, saying: "We're offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don't, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran."

US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to be part of the American delegation if talks proceed.

However, Tehran has linked participation in talks to the lifting of the US naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire, with Iranian state media suggesting talks may not proceed under current conditions, according to CNN.

The ceasefire itself is fragile and due to expire on Wednesday, with both sides accusing each other of violations, according to The Washington Post.

Behind the scenes, mediation efforts continue. Pakistani authorities have stepped up security in Islamabad, preparing for possible talks despite uncertainty, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Key sticking points include Iran's uranium stockpiles and the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor disrupted in recent weeks, according to CNN.

In a more moderate tone, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the war "benefits no one" and stressed that "every rational and diplomatic path must be used to reduce tensions," according to CNN.

The United States and Iran have had decades of tensions marked by sanctions, military standoffs and intermittent diplomacy. Previous negotiations have often been accompanied by escalation on the ground.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the conflict, carrying a significant portion of global oil supplies, making any disruption a matter of global concern.

- IANS