Iranian Media: Iranian Negotiation Team Declares Non-Participation in Second End-of-War Talks

Despite Pakistan's Mediation Efforts

U.S. Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz Sparks Discontent

"Iran Seeks to Protect National Interests by Withdrawing from Talks"

The Iranian negotiation team has delivered its final decision to not participate in the second ceasefire talks, which were scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 22, through the mediator Pakistan to the United States.

Oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz on the 18th (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency on April 21 (local time), Iran had planned to engage in ceasefire and end-of-war talks based on the "10-point framework" accepted by the United States, after accepting Pakistan's mediation and the U.S. request for a ceasefire.

However, the main reason cited by Iran for its decision not to attend was the United States’ failure to fulfill its promises immediately after the agreement was reached, according to the report. In particular, the U.S. did not pressure Israel to immediately implement a ceasefire with Lebanon, which caused significant obstacles from the start of the negotiations and was highlighted as a major point of dissatisfaction.

During the first round of talks held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 10, Iran claimed that the United States introduced excessive demands that went beyond the initial framework, causing the negotiations to reach an impasse. Iran described this as "an attempt by the United States to compensate for its failures on the battlefield at the negotiating table."

The U.S.'s hardline response regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, over which Iran claims control, was also cited as a reason for non-participation. Tasnim News Agency reported, "Sitting at the negotiating table in the current situation is nothing but a waste of time," adding, "There is no possibility of a substantive agreement due to U.S. interference."

Iran made its intention to not participate official through Pakistan, and the agency added that by not appearing at the second round of talks, Iran aims to defend its national interests to the very end.

Even before Iran’s non-participation was confirmed, there were already predictions that the second ceasefire talks might break down. J.D. Vance, the U.S. Vice President and chief negotiator, was scheduled to depart from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland for Pakistan that morning, but as of noon had not yet departed, according to the Washington Post (WP).

After this news broke, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the ceasefire would be extended until the Iranian leadership and negotiating team present a unified proposal. He made this announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social, at approximately 4 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Time) that day. However, President Trump added that the maritime blockade against Iran would continue and that all other readiness measures would remain in place.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.