A senior Iranian official has stated that Iran will not engage in negotiations with the United States if they are conducted under coercion or aimed at forcing surrender. However, Tehran may consider participating in discussions—potentially in Pakistan—if Washington abandons its strategy of pressure and threats.
According to the official, Pakistan continues to act as a mediator, urging the United States to ease tensions by lifting its naval blockade and releasing the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska, which was seized by U.S. forces along with its crew.
The official further criticized Washington for escalating tensions, accusing it of introducing new obstacles rather than working toward resolving differences and ending the conflict.