TEHRAN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Monday that Iranians "do not submit to force," accusing the United States of seeking his country's surrender.
He made the remarks in a post on the social media platform X, amid uncertainty over Iran's participation in a second round of talks with the United States in Islamabad.
"Honoring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue," Pezeshkian wrote. He said deep mistrust persists in Iran toward U.S. conduct and that "unconstructive and contradictory signals" from American officials suggest they seek Iran's surrender. "Iranians do not submit to force," he added.
The comments came after Iranian media reported Monday that Iran has not changed its decision not to attend the next round of talks, despite U.S. President Donald Trump saying Vice President JD Vance and other officials were traveling to Pakistan.
Tasnim said Iran's participation depends on Washington meeting preconditions for negotiations. It cited a naval blockade and what it described as excessive U.S. demands as key obstacles.
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8. Iranian and U.S. delegations then held talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, but no progress was reported. ■
