Iran says US policies blocking progress in talks, no breakthrough in sight

Iran announced on Sunday that US policies — including excessive demands, shifting positions, a continued naval blockade, and threatening rhetoric — have obstructed progress in negotiations, with no clear signs of a breakthrough under current conditions. State news agency IRNA reported that Washington’s demands are “excessive, unreasonable, and unrealistic,” and accused the US of repeatedly changing its stances and maintaining “contradictory positions” throughout the talks.

Naval blockade violates ceasefire

IRNA added that the continued US naval blockade constitutes “a violation of the ceasefire agreement and has further complicated efforts to advance the negotiations.” The agency also noted that Washington’s threatening rhetoric “has contributed to the lack of progress.” Iran dismissed US media narratives about the talks as part of a “media game” aimed at shifting blame and increasing pressure on Tehran.

New talks expected in Islamabad

Despite the deadlock, a White House official confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for a new round of negotiations with Iran. President Trump told Fox News that meetings are scheduled for Tuesday in Islamabad, possibly extending into Wednesday. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on Feb. 28, with Washington imposing a naval blockade on April 13.