Iranian state media announced on Sunday evening that Tehran will not engage in peace talks set to occur on Tuesday in Islamabad, Pakistan, which were revealed by President Donald Trump.
On the same day, President Trump stated that a representative would arrive in Islamabad on Monday, prepared to present a deal that, in his view, Tehran should accept.
He emphasized, “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable deal, and we hope they accept it. If they don’t, the United States will destroy every power plant and every bridge in Iran. No more Mr. Nice Guy!” This was shared on his social media platform.
Trump went on to declare, “They’re going to fall quickly, they’re going to fall easily. Even if they don’t sign a DEAL, it’s my honor to do what every other president should have done with Iran for the last 47 years.”
He stated, “It’s time for the Iranian killing machine to end!”
Vice President J.D. Vance has taken office again and will accompany Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in leading the U.S. delegation in Pakistan.
Iran’s state media was not receptive to Trump’s offer. According to Iranian IRNA, they remarked on his “extremism, unreasonable and unrealistic demands,” mentioning his inconsistent positions and the ongoing naval blockade. They concluded that under such conditions, “there is no clear prospect of fruitful negotiations.”
Other Iranian outlets suggested that Tehran is unlikely to engage in talks unless the U.S. lifts the blockade on Iranian ports beforehand.
On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly rejected President Trump’s proposed negotiations.
“Keeping promises is the basis of meaningful dialogue,” Pezeshkian remarked. He noted that Iran harbors deep-seated distrust towards the U.S. government and views conflicting messages from U.S. officials as an indication that Iran is expected to surrender.
He asserted, “Iranians will not submit to force,” which felt ironic given his country’s history of suppressing its own citizens.
In a more measured public stance, Pezeshkian expressed his intention to manage the current situation with prudent planning to eventually refocus on recovery and issues facing the nation post-hostility.
He stated that reconstruction and management of resources would require careful oversight and cooperation among citizens.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed the idea of further negotiations, referring to the U.S. blockade.
Meanwhile, Trump claimed in a post on social media that American media is complicating peace talks by suggesting to Iran that the U.S. might be “losing the war.”
He explained, “The enemy is confused because they are receiving the same media ‘reports.’ They understand, however, that our navy is effectively gone, our air force is grounded, and we’re not lifting the blockade until a ‘deal’ is reached, which is crippling Iran.”
Trump also criticized the media for allegedly being biased in favor of Iran, asserting that such outcomes would not materialize while he is in charge.
In another post, Trump claimed he would negotiate a deal with Iran that would surpass the JCPOA, the previous nuclear agreement, describing it as one of the worst in terms of national security.
He detailed the flaws of the JCPOA, stating that it only delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions by a brief period and asserted that his proposed deal would assure peace and security globally.
“It will make the whole world proud instead of leading us to embarrassment due to incompetent leadership!” he proclaimed.
A 10-day ceasefire with Iran is set to expire on Tuesday night, but Trump indicated that he would consider extending it until Wednesday to allow for further negotiations, although he noted that this extension would depend on significant progress.
