Tehran/Washington: Iran has accused the United States of attempting to force negotiations through pressure, with senior leadership making it clear that any dialogue conducted under coercion would not be accepted.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Washington was effectively seeking Tehran’s surrender in the ongoing conflict. In a statement posted on X, he stressed that Iran would not engage in discussions “under the shadow of threats,” while warning that the country is preparing to introduce “new options” on the battlefield.
His remarks come amid heightened uncertainty over a proposed second round of talks between the two countries, expected to take place in Islamabad. Although US President Donald Trump had earlier announced that Vice President JD Vance, along with senior figures such as Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff, would travel to Pakistan for negotiations, Tehran has not confirmed its participation.
Adding to the confusion, reports suggested that Vance had not yet departed for Islamabad, with his motorcade seen at the White House, raising questions about the immediate status of the diplomatic mission.
Meanwhile, Trump has indicated that the current ceasefire—set to expire on Wednesday—will not be extended, increasing the risk of renewed escalation. The conflict, which has already lasted several weeks, continues to fuel concerns over global energy supplies, particularly due to tensions in key maritime routes.
In a separate development, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold a fresh round of talks in Washington later this week, marking a rare instance of direct diplomatic engagement between the two sides after decades.
Analysts warn that with positions hardening and deadlines approaching, the prospects for de-escalation remain fragile, and any breakdown in talks could intensify instability across the region.
