TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States of undermining genuine negotiations through broken promises, naval blockades, and military threats, just as U.S. President Donald Trump announced expectations for a second round of talks as early as Friday.
In a statement released by the Iranian president’s office, Pezeshkian said that Tehran has always welcomed and will continue to welcome negotiations and agreements. However, he added that “the world is seeing a contradiction between your hypocritical rhetoric, claims, and actions.”
“Breaking promises, blockades, and threats are obstacles to real negotiations,” Pezeshkian said, without directly naming Trump but clearly referring to ongoing U.S. pressure on Iran.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions over a U.S.-led naval blockade targeting Iranian oil exports and military supplies. Washington has enforced the blockade for weeks, with CENTCOM announcing earlier that 29 vessels have been turned back or detained.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump told an American newspaper that he expects a second round of negotiations with Iran to take place on Friday. Trump also stated that he has instructed the U.S. military to maintain the blockade and remain ready for any possible situation.
The American president added that the current ceasefire—brokered following recent hostilities—will be extended until Iran presents its proposals for further talks.
It remains unclear whether Iran will attend the proposed Friday negotiations. Iranian officials have not yet formally responded to Trump’s latest overture, though Pezeshkian’s statement suggests deep skepticism about U.S. intentions.
The first round of indirect talks between the two nations reportedly took place earlier this month but ended without a breakthrough.
