KARACHI – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has cast a shadow of doubt over the second phase of US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad, accusing Washington of “piracy” and undermining the spirit of the ongoing ceasefire.
​According to Reuters, Baghaei’s comments to state TV focused on recent US naval operations, including the boarding of the tanker Tifani, which was carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil. Baghaei labeled these actions “state terrorism,” arguing that such moves are incompatible with the serious diplomacy required for a lasting peace deal.
​The timing of these allegations is critical. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has been leading an intensive diplomatic push to convince both sides to extend the two-week truce, which is scheduled to end on Wednesday morning.
​While US Vice President JD Vance remains in Washington for “policy meetings,” the absence of a confirmed Iranian delegation has led to a stalemate. “Pakistan has made sincere efforts to convince the Iranian leadership to participate, and these efforts continue,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated on X.
​The impasse over the Strait of Hormuz blockade and the seizure of vessels has significantly dampened the optimism that followed the first round of talks earlier this month. Tehran maintains that it will not “submit to force,” leaving the Islamabad peace initiative in a precarious position as the clock ticks down.
