Iranian Foreign Minister Esmail Baghaei said on Tuesday that Tehran has not made a “final decision” on whether to send a delegation to Pakistan for a new round of talks with the U.S. as the deadline for the end of the ceasefire between the countries looms.
Speaking to state media television outlet IRIB, Baghaei said the reason for the lack of definition “is clear” and “not a matter of indecision.”
“Rather, it is because we are faced with contradictory messages, inconsistent behavior, and unacceptable actions from the American side,” he said, making reference to the U.S.’s continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and seizure of at least two vessels.
“These actions by the United States constitute maritime piracy and state terrorism, particularly in relation to the two Iranian vessels involved,” Baghaei said, claiming they “call into question” their “intent and seriousness.”
The U.S. seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship after attempting to bypass the blockade in the Gulf of Oman. The development marked the first seizure of such a vessel since the U.S. blockade went into effect last Sunday. Trump said U.S. Marines disabled and seized the Touska after the “Iranian crew refused to listen.”
The Pentagon also said in a social media post Tuesday that it has boarded a sanctioned ship in international waters because it was providing material support for Iran.
“As we have made clear, we will pursue global maritime enforcement efforts to disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran—anywhere they operate,” the publication says.
At the same time, semiofficial news agency Tasnim said in another report that Tehran is “fully prepared for the possibility of renewed war.” This includes “new surprises,” the outlet added.
On the U.S’s side, it is unclear whether Vice President JD Vance will head to Pakistan under the current circumstances. “Additional policy meetings are taking place at the White House in which the Vice President will participate,” a White House official said.
Ongoing uncertainty stands in contrast with earlier optimism, when mediators told the Associated Press that they had received confirmation that delegations will arrive in Islamabad on Wednesday morning.
President Donald Trump told Bloomberg that the ceasefire with Iran will expire on “Wednesday evening Washington time,” a day after the two-week mark from the original announcement.
He also told the outlet that it is “highly unlikely” the cessation of hostilities will be extended after it ends and the Strait of Hormuz will continue to be blocked until a deal is reached.
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