TEHRAN, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said U.S. pressure and hostile actions are undermining trust and making progress toward renewed talks more difficult.
In a Saturday phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian discussed recent political and military developments, efforts to uphold a ceasefire, and ongoing diplomatic initiatives, according to a statement from his office early Sunday.
Pezeshkian said progress in resolving disputes requires a "common understanding" and proper conditions for effective dialogue. He said recent U.S. sanctions, naval restrictions, and military pressure were major obstacles to rebuilding trust.
He added that Washington cannot pursue negotiations while increasing pressure on Iran, saying such actions "disrupt the necessary atmosphere" for diplomacy.
Reiterating Iran's position, Pezeshkian said Tehran did not start the conflict and has no interest in regional instability. He said Iran would engage in talks only on the basis of mutual respect, not "threats, pressure and imposition," and insisted on its rights under international law.
He also said Iran would not enter negotiations under coercion and called for guarantees that any commitments would be upheld. He warned that U.S. military deployments in the region contradict its stated support for a political solution.
Sharif said Pakistan had received Iran's message and would use its influence to support a "lasting and honorable" resolution. He condemned U.S. and Israeli actions and said Iran could not be forced into submission, according to the Iranian statement.
He said any political settlement should ensure regional stability while respecting Iran's dignity. Sharif noted that Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, is working to maintain ceasefire communications and narrow differences between the sides, the statement said.
In a post on X, Sharif said Pakistan remains committed to serving as "an honest and sincere facilitator" and will work to advance durable peace and stability in the region.
The call followed weeks of heightened tensions after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Feb. 28, which Iran said killed senior officials and civilians. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and U.S. positions in the region.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11-12 that ended without agreement. A new round of negotiations had been expected in Pakistan this week, but Iran declined to attend, citing continued U.S. naval pressure and "excessive demands." ■
