Iran skips US talks in Pakistan as tensions escalate over blockade

Iran has ruled out participation in upcoming talks with the United States in Pakistan, signalling a deepening diplomatic rift just days before the Middle East ceasefire is set to expire.

State media, including Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, quoted officials as saying “there are currently no plans to participate in the next round of Iran-US talks,” reflecting growing frustration in Tehran.

At the centre of the standoff is the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, which Iranian authorities insist must be lifted before any meaningful negotiations can resume.

The situation worsened on Sunday after US forces intercepted and seized an Iranian vessel accused of attempting to breach the blockade, further inflaming tensions.

Iranian officials responded sharply, warning of retaliation. According to Tasnim News Agency, drones were dispatched toward US naval assets following the incident.

“The overall atmosphere cannot be assessed as very positive,” sources told Fars News Agency, stressing that the blockade remains a major obstacle to dialogue.

The fragile ceasefire brokered after the outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, Iran, and Israel is now under strain, with both sides hardening their positions.

Despite the uncertainty, preparations had been underway in Islamabad, where US officials are expected to arrive for talks, even as Tehran distances itself from the process.

For now, the diplomatic track appears stalled, with the risk of renewed escalation growing as the deadline for the ceasefire approaches.