Iranian president flags ‘mistrust, contradictory signals’ from US amid push for fresh talks

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday flagged “mistrust” toward the US and what he described as “contradictory signals from American officials” amid efforts to launch a second round of talks to end the war. “Honoring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue,” Pezeshkian said after US President Donald Trump said an agreement with Iran would be signed "today" in Islamabad, Pakistan. It was not immediately clear what timeframe he was referring to. Trump warned that if no deal was signed, he would "blow up every single power plant and bridge in Iran." However, Pezeshkian said: “Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward US gov(ernment) conduct remains, while unconstructive and contradictory signals from American officials carry a bitter message.” “They (US) seek Iran's surrender. Iranians do not submit to force,” Pezeshkian said in a statement on US social media company X. Pezeshkian’s remarks came hours after Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Asim Munir, spoke with Trump, flagging the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a hurdle in talks with Iran. The waterway has remained largely closed since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran declared the strait open on Friday but closed it again a day later after Trump said the blockade of Iranian ports would continue. On Sunday, US forces detained an Iranian cargo ship after opening fire and boarding it. Trump also said Sunday that US representatives would travel to Islamabad for talks with Iranian officials. Tehran has yet to officially announce its position but has demanded the lifting of the US blockade of its ports. Earlier, Pakistani sources said Iranian officials are expected to arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday.