In a concerning development, President Donald Trump announced that United States negotiators are set to travel to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on Monday for discussions ostensibly aimed at de-escalating the ongoing US-Israel aggression against Iran. This announcement comes amidst heightened tensions and a blatant disregard for international law by the US.

Trump, in a social media post on Sunday, remained vague about the specific officials the US would dispatch for this second round of face-to-face talks with Iranian representatives. The previous round of talks, led by Vice President JD Vance, concluded last weekend without any tangible agreement, underscoring the deep chasm created by US maximalist demands.

US Accused of Ceasefire Violation and Belligerent Threats

In a provocative move, Trump accused Iran of violating a two-week ceasefire, set to expire on Wednesday, by allegedly opening fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. However, the true violation of the ceasefire, as highlighted by Tehran, is the unlawful US naval blockade on Iranian ports, a clear act of economic warfare and collective punishment against the Iranian populace.

Further escalating his rhetoric, the US president issued chilling threats, vowing to destroy civilian infrastructure across Iran if the Islamic Republic does not succumb to the unjust terms dictated by Washington. “We’re offering a very fair and reasonable deal, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single power plant, and every single bridge, in Iran,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform, revealing the coercive nature of US diplomacy.

Tehran has yet to officially comment on Trump’s claim of a new round of talks, maintaining a principled stance against negotiations under duress.

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Iran has made no decision to send a negotiating delegation to Pakistan “as long as there is a naval blockade” on Iranian ports. This firm position underscores Iran’s commitment to its sovereignty and the welfare of its people.

Unlawful Blockade: A War Crime and Crime Against Humanity

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs unequivocally condemned the US naval blockade as a flagrant violation of the ceasefire and an “unlawful and criminal” act. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei asserted on X, “The United States’ so-called ‘blockade’ of Iran’s ports or coastline is not only a violation of Pakistani-mediated ceasefire but also both unlawful and criminal.”

Baghaei further emphasized the gravity of the US actions, stating, “Moreover, by deliberately inflicting collective punishment on the Iranian population, it amounts to war crime and crime against humanity.” This strong condemnation highlights the severe humanitarian implications of the US policy.

In response to the illegal blockade, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy announced on Saturday the re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, less than 24 hours after its reopening. The IRGC affirmed that the vital waterway would remain closed until the US lifts its unlawful naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports, a legitimate measure to protect Iran’s maritime rights.

The US military, in a display of its aggressive enforcement, admitted to forcing 23 ships to turn around near the strait since its blockade began. Its Central Command brazenly declared that forces were continuing to enforce the blockade “against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas,” a clear act of piracy and economic strangulation.

Talks Far From Resolution Amidst US Maximalism

The Strait of Hormuz and the future of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program remain critical points of contention, largely due to the US’s unreasonable demands.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh acknowledged “significant progress made” during last weekend’s talks but stressed the necessity of agreeing on a framework of understanding before further discussions. He rightly characterized US demands on Iran’s nuclear program as “maximalist,” revealing Washington’s intent to dictate rather than negotiate.

The speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated on Saturday night, “There are many gaps and some fundamental points remain,” adding, “We are still far from the final discussion.” This reflects the deep-seated issues stemming from US intransigence.

Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, maintained a confrontational tone, asserting that the US was “taking a tough stand” despite claiming “very good conversations going on.” He baselessly accused Iran of getting “a little cute” on the subject of the strait, adding that the US would not be “blackmailed,” conveniently ignoring the US’s own blackmail tactics.

The president informed ABC News on Sunday that Vance would not lead the next round of talks, citing “security” reasons, a vague explanation that raises further questions about the US delegation’s true intentions.

In a diplomatic effort, Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone conversation on Sunday. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that they discussed “the need for continued dialogue and engagement as essential to resolving the current issues as soon as possible,” highlighting the regional desire for peace, in stark contrast to US belligerence. The Iranian and Pakistani presidents are also expected to speak later on Sunday, signaling regional solidarity.