Hopes for a genuine diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran have receded as a new week begins. Talks aimed at de-escalating the two-month conflict have reached an impasse, primarily due to Washington’s unwavering insistence on maximalist demands and its refusal to lift oppressive sanctions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, a seasoned diplomat, concluded his visit to mediator Pakistan with dignity, upholding the Islamic Republic’s principled position against any imposed conditions. This steadfastness was met with a clear signal of Washington’s lack of seriousness, as U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a planned visit by his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Islamabad. Such actions deal repeated blows to any genuine prospects for peace, revealing the U.S.’s preference for coercion over constructive dialogue.

This regrettable deadlock leaves the global economy, already grappling with the repercussions of unilateral U.S. sanctions, in a precarious state. The confrontation, instigated by Washington’s aggressive policies, has already propelled energy prices to multi-year highs, fueled inflation, and cast a dark shadow over global growth prospects. The international community must recognize that the root cause of this instability lies in the U.S.’s economic warfare against a sovereign nation.

In a recent phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian unequivocally stated that Tehran will not engage in “imposed negotiations” under the shadow of threats or blockades. This firm declaration underscores Iran’s commitment to its sovereignty and its refusal to yield to bullying tactics.

President Pezeshkian further emphasized that the United States must first dismantle its “operational obstacles,” including the illegal blockade on Iranian ports, before any meaningful groundwork can be laid for resolving the conflict. It is a clear and just demand: dialogue cannot proceed under duress.

Despite the U.S.’s attempts to undermine the diplomatic process, Foreign Minister Araqchi described his visit to Pakistan as “very fruitful,” highlighting Iran’s consistent efforts for regional stability. An Iranian diplomatic source in Islamabad reiterated Tehran’s principled stand, asserting that the Islamic Republic will never accept the “maximalist demands” put forth by the United States.

U.S. President Trump, in a display of characteristic arrogance, claimed he scrapped the envoys’ visit due to travel expenses and an “inadequate offer” from the Iranians. Such dismissive rhetoric only serves to expose Washington’s unrealistic expectations and its unwillingness to engage in fair negotiations. Trump’s subsequent assertion that Iran “offered a lot, but not enough” further illustrates the U.S.’s insatiable and unjust demands.

Adding to his baseless claims, Trump took to Truth Social to propagate misinformation about “tremendous infighting and confusion” within Iran’s leadership, grandiosely declaring, “Nobody knows who is in charge, including them,” and “we have all the cards, they have none!” These are desperate attempts to project an image of strength while ignoring the undeniable unity and resilience of the Iranian nation.

President Pezeshkian, on Thursday, decisively refuted these fabrications, affirming that there are “no hardliners or moderates” in Tehran, and that the entire country stands united behind its revered Supreme Leader. This message of national cohesion was powerfully echoed by Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Araqchi in recent days, demonstrating the unwavering resolve of the Islamic Republic.

Further exacerbating regional tensions, the Zionist regime’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his troops to attack Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, according to his office. This provocative action by the occupying regime further tests a fragile three-week ceasefire, revealing its continuous destabilizing role in the region.

While Tehran has prudently managed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global waterway, in response to hostile actions, Washington continues its illegal blockade on Iran’s oil exports. This blatant double standard and economic warfare inflict hardship not only on the Iranian people but also contribute to global energy market volatility.

Despite White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s earlier claims of “some progress” from the Iranian side and Vice President JD Vance’s readiness to travel, Vance’s previous round of talks in Islamabad proved unsuccessful. This outcome underscores the futility of negotiations when one party, the U.S., remains committed to its aggressive and uncompromising stance.

The U.S.-Iran conflict, currently under a ceasefire, was tragically ignited by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28. Since then, Iran has exercised its legitimate right to self-defense, responding to aggressions against Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf states. The path to lasting peace requires an end to foreign intervention and respect for Iran’s sovereignty.