Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has denounced recent communications from the United States as unconstructive and contradictory as both nations consider another round of peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Peace Talks Hang in the Balance

President Pezeshkian issued his critique on Monday, highlighting the tensions surrounding potential secondary negotiations. These talks follow the collapse of a previous diplomatic summit in late February, which failed to establish a framework for ending the ongoing conflict initiated by the Trump administration and its Israeli allies.

Skepticism Towards US Commitments

In a social media post, President Pezeshkian emphasized that any meaningful dialogue must be based on the strict honoring of commitments. He noted the Iranian people’s deep-rooted historical skepticism towards the United States government, stemming from decades of perceived aggression.

Pezeshkian asserted that Washington seeks the capitulation of Iran, stating that the Iranian people will not submit to external force.

Trump's Threats Escalate Tensions

The diplomatic impasse is further complicated by recent public threats from President Donald Trump. He has signaled a willingness to resume a bombing campaign that has already resulted in over 3,300 Iranian deaths and the displacement of millions, should the current two-week ceasefire expire on Wednesday evening.

In an interview with PBS News, Trump explicitly suggested significant violence would erupt if the ceasefire lapses. He also warned of potential US targeting of critical Iranian civilian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.

Concerns Over Potential War Crimes

Legal experts and international observers have cautioned that Trump’s rhetoric may constitute war crimes under international law, as civilian infrastructure is protected even during active warfare.

Iran Weighs Participation in New Talks

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Iranian officials are deliberating whether to participate in a new round of talks in Islamabad. This hesitation follows accusations that the US delegation sabotaged previous discussions with maximalist demands and shifting objectives.

Doubts About US Intentions

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated on Monday that no decision has been made regarding further talks. He expressed skepticism about American intentions, noting the contradiction between the US’s claims of prioritizing diplomacy and its actions, such as the seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

As the Wednesday deadline approaches, the international community remains concerned that a lack of mutual trust and ongoing military provocations will make a peaceful resolution increasingly difficult.