Iranian officials expressed doubt Sunday that participating in further peace talks with U.S. negotiators in Pakistan would yield results, even as President Trump said diplomats would travel Monday to Islamabad for negotiations.
In a report published by the state-affiliated Islamic Republic News Agency, Iranian officials viewed U.S. demands as “excessive” and ”unreasonable” and maintained that “repeated changes in positions” and “continued contradictory statements” have prevented diplomatic progress during talks.
“The continuation of the so-called naval blockade, which is considered a violation of the ceasefire understanding, along with threatening rhetoric, has hindered talks,” the report reads. “Under these conditions, no clear prospect for productive talks is envisaged.”
The report follows Mr. Trump’s announcement Sunday that U.S. representatives would travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday for another round of talks aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the Iran war.
White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, are expected to lead the next round of talks. Pakistan has not confirmed if the talks will take place.
The talks could mark the second diplomatic meeting between Iranian and U.S. officials since the war began in late February. Iranian and U.S. officials have said the two sides remain far apart on key issues, namely Iran’s nuclear ambitions and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
SEE ALSO: U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz says Iran desperate for a deal after Strait of Hormuz reversal
The negotiations come at a sensitive time, with the U.S.-Iran ceasefire set to expire this week and Tehran reasserting control over the Strait of Hormuz following a brief period of peace.
The U.S. and Iran had announced Friday that the strait, which has been effectively closed for over a month, would be open to all for the duration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
But Iran announced Saturday that its forces had closed the strait again in retaliation for a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the region.
