Trump Announces Maintenance of Sanctions on Iran; Iran Rejects Talks Amid Threats

US President Donald Trump has made it clear that he does not plan to lift sanctions imposed on Iranian ports until an agreement is reached with Iran. Despite Trump’s threats, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, has stated that Iran will not accept talks. The second phase of talks is being prepared in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, but Iran has yet to decide whether to participate. Kathmandu, April 21.

Trump’s comments come amid uncertainty over whether the ongoing ceasefire talks will proceed to the next phase, and concern over the continued blockade of Iranian ports. He wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, “They are losing $500 million daily. This situation cannot last long.” Iran, on the other hand, has clearly stated it will not engage in talks until the US removes the blockade.

Security has been tightened in Islamabad ahead of the potential talks. US representation at the meeting is expected from Vice President JD Vance, who has not yet left Washington. Iran has also yet to make a final decision on whether to participate in the talks.

Ghalibaf declared that despite Trump’s threats, Iran refuses to enter negotiations. Writing on X, he said, “We will not accept talks under the shadow of threats. For the past two weeks, we have been preparing to take new steps on the battlefield.” Trump is aiming to use the policy of encirclement and the violation of the ceasefire to turn the negotiating table into a place of surrender.