"The US claims to pursue diplomacy and is ready to negotiate, but its actions do not demonstrate seriousness in advancing the diplomatic process," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said today.

He stated that US attacks on cargo ships, the blockade of Iranian ports, and the delayed implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon all violate the ceasefire agreement.

The US was expected to send a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for potential talks tonight; however, this event is now unlikely to occur.

"As of now, we have no plans for the next round of negotiations, and no decision has been made on this matter," spokesperson Baqaei said. He added that Iran cannot forget previous US attacks on its country during diplomatic talks and affirmed that Tehran will continue to protect its national interests.

Iranian officials also appear to suspect that US President Donald Trump's repeated statements about the possibility of reaching an agreement could merely be a cover for a surprise attack, according to Guardian.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei. Photo: Iranian Foreign Ministry

The two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran will end on 22/4. Since hostilities erupted on 28/2, the two sides have only held one 21-hour negotiation session in Islamabad, failing to reach an agreement, even though preparations for further talks continue.

The US military began efforts on 13/4 to block ships to and from Iranian ports after negotiations in Pakistan concluded without results and Iran refused to reopen the vital sea route.

Iran announced on 17/4 that it would open the Strait of Hormuz to welcome the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon taking effect. However, it continued to blockade this maritime route only one day later in response to the US-enforced port blockade campaign.

Key sticking points between the two sides include Iran's high-enriched uranium stockpile and the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated, "The issue of transferring enriched uranium to the US has never been discussed, neither during the current negotiation phase nor previously. That has never been an option for us."

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian

The possibility of holding new negotiations became more difficult when the US destroyer USS Spruance shelled and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman on 19/4, citing the vessel's attempt to circumvent the blockade. The Iranian military criticized this as "an act of piracy and a violation of the ceasefire agreement", declaring it would soon retaliate.

US President Donald Trump stated on 19/4 that Washington "is offering a very fair and reasonable deal." He warned, "I hope they accept it, otherwise the US will destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran. We will no longer play the good guy. Iran will collapse quickly and easily."

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Guardian)