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Iran rejects talks with U.S. under pressure and aimed at surrender, senior Iranian official says

AL-MONITOR
Apr 21, 2026
U.S forces patrol near the Iranian-flagged cargo ship M/V Touska after it was boarded and seized by U.S. forces on Sunday, at a location given as the Arabian Sea, in this handout image released April 20, 2026. U.S. Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS
U.S forces patrol near the Iranian-flagged cargo ship M/V Touska after it was boarded and seized by U.S. forces on Sunday, at a location given as the Arabian Sea, in this handout image released April 20, 2026. U.S. Central Command via X/Handout via REUTERS — U.S. Central Command via X

DUBAI, April 21 (Reuters) - Iran could attend talks with the United States in Pakistan if Washington abandons its policy of pressure and threats, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday, adding that Tehran rejects negotiations aimed at surrender.

The official said mediator Pakistan was continuing efforts to persuade the United States to liftits naval blockade and release the Iranian-flagged ​container ship Touska, which was boarded and seized by U.S. forces on Sunday, and its crew.

He accused Washington of "creating new obstacles every day instead of resolving the differences" to end the war.

(Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)