Iran has denied participating in the second round of talks with the US in Islamabad, according to a report by the Iranian state news agency IRNA. The report claims that Tehran has rejected the US’s demands for further negotiations, citing Washington’s “excessive demands” and “unrealistic expectations.” IRNA also stated that the news about the second round of talks is false and is part of the US media’s propaganda to put pressure on Iran.
Iran’s negotiating team chief and Parliament Speaker Dr. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that progress has been made in the talks with the US, but there is still a long way to go. The report also stated that Iran has rejected the participation in the second round of talks in Islamabad, which the US claims will take place on Tuesday.
The report further stated that the US’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, frequent changes in stance, contradictions, and continued naval blockade are all criticisms of the US’s actions. IRNA also claimed that the news about the talks is not true and is part of the US media’s propaganda to put pressure on Iran.
The US media had announced earlier that the Iranian negotiating team would arrive in Islamabad on Monday, while Iran’s Deputy President Reza Mohammad Aref stated that Iran will only negotiate with the US if they agree to stop their aggression against Iran and recognize its international rights.
Reza Mohammad Aref stated on social media that Iran’s enemies are now asking for negotiations after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, and that they are seeking a handout from Iran. Earlier, US President Donald Trump had stated that his representatives would be arriving in Islamabad for talks, and that they would be present in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Trump had also stated that the talks are ongoing and not a game, and that he would meet with the Iranian leadership if there is a breakthrough in the talks. However, Iran has denied any participation in the talks, and has stated that it will only negotiate with the US if they agree to stop their aggression against Iran and recognize its international rights.
The situation is further complicated by the US’s decision to seize an Iranian cargo ship, which has been condemned by China. The US has also imposed sanctions on several Iranian officials, and has threatened to take further action against Iran.
In other news, the Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported that two Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military attacks in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours. China has expressed its support for a ceasefire in the region and has offered to mediate talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
In a related development, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed regret over the desecration of a statue of Jesus Christ by Israeli soldiers, and has promised to take action against those responsible.
