On April 21, Ahmad Naderi, a member of Iran’s Parliament, announced that Tehran would not hold new negotiations with Washington until the United States lifted its naval blockade.
“Until the naval blockade is lifted, we do not intend to hold a second round of negotiations,” Naderi stated via Iranian SNN television on Telegram. He also dismissed rumors that any Iranian delegation had traveled to Pakistan, calling such claims an “absolute lie.”
On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that America had used the recent pause in hostilities with Iran to significantly bolster its military capabilities, surpassing levels prior to Operation Epic Fury. Trump added that Iran likely also replenished its reserves during this period. The president further stated that continued bombing of Iran would improve Washington’s position in negotiations with Tehran and noted that “huge amounts of money” had been spent on the “restoration” of the U.S. military.
Iran has reported delays in negotiations due to pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which insists on a tougher stance. Iranian officials confirmed that Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators have urged Tehran to participate in talks.
