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Iran says ‘no plans’ to attend ceasefire talks citing lack of ‘seriousness’ from US

April 21, 2026

The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced on 20 April that Tehran has not decided whether to participate in Pakistani-mediated truce talks with the US this week, amid intensifying diplomatic efforts by Islamabad to ensure the talks do not fall apart.

“We have not made a decision yet about the next round of negotiations,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Monday, adding: “We have no plans for the next round.”

“The US, which is claiming diplomacy, is carrying out behaviors that in no way indicate seriousness in pursuing a diplomatic process,” Baghaei went on to say.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Iran has no plans to attend the next round of negotiations, citing a lack of seriousness from the United States. pic.twitter.com/yiaHSgQEn0

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) April 20, 2026

“From the very beginning of the ceasefire, we faced the US reneging and nagging. First, they said that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire, while Pakistan had made it clear. After an understanding was reached, we were faced with naval actions in the Strait of Hormuz. A few hours ago, they attacked a ship,” Baghaei added, referring to the recent US Navy attack on a commercial Iranian vessel.

The spokesman stated that the visit of US officials is their own matter and expressed skepticism about Washington’s seriousness. He also pledged military responses to any “adventure’ by Washington and Tel Aviv.

Monday’s statement coincided with the arrival of US officials to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, where a new round of truce talks is expected soon.

US Vice President JD Vance, Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Pakistan’s capital. Over the weekend, reports indicated that Vance would not attend the talks citing security concerns.

The Iranian team has not yet made its way to Pakistan.

According to officials cited by AP, Islamabad has been intensifying diplomatic contacts with Washington and Tehran and is trying to ensure that talks take place as soon as Tuesday.

“We have made comprehensive security arrangements for our distinguished guests,” Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement.

A Pakistani security source told Reuters that Trump informed Field Marshal Asim Munir he would “consider Islamabad’s advice” on an ongoing US blockade, which is hindering ceasefire talks with Iran.

Over the weekend, the US attacked one of Iran’s commercial vessels in the Sea of Oman. Iran’s military vowed to retaliate.

Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, citing Trump’s vow to continue blockading Iranian ports despite a ceasefire.

The following day, Trump renewed his threat to attack Iranian power stations and bridges if the Islamic Republic does not agree to Washington’s terms for an agreement.

“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform.