TEHRAN: Iran’s top negotiator and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Monday that Tehran does not accept negotiations with the United States under threat.
In a post on X, he accused US President Donald Trump of trying to turn negotiations into a “table of surrender.”
The comments come as a two-week ceasefire in the conflict, which has killed thousands and roiled global energy markets, is set to expire this week.
Tensions have risen after the United States said it seized an Iranian cargo ship accused of breaching its blockade, prompting Tehran to vow retaliation.
Amid speculation about possible talks, Iranian state television on Tuesday said that “no delegation from Iran has visited Islamabad ... so far.” Officials have not confirmed any planned visit, despite reports that talks could take place there.
The message reflects ongoing debate within Iran’s leadership over how to respond to the US move, with state media, often aligned with hardline factions, signalling resistance to negotiations under current conditions.
- With Reuters and AP
