Iran’s President Tells US to Remove Blockade Before Negotiations

26/04/2026

TEHRAN, April 26: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not enter negotiations with the United States while restrictions on its ports remain in place, according to Iranian media reports.

During a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday night, Pezeshkian stressed that Washington must first remove what he described as “operational obstacles, including the blockade,” before any new round of talks can begin. The conversation was described by Sharif as “warm and constructive.”

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded a one-day visit to Islamabad, where he held meetings with Pakistani civilian and military leadership. The trip, however, did not yield a breakthrough in efforts to revive negotiations, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned visit by his envoys to the Pakistani capital.

The latest exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, with both sides yet to find common ground for restarting talks.