His remarks come against the backdrop of rising diplomatic strain following a reported US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, a move that has cast doubt over proposed negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has struck a defiant tone amid escalating tensions with the United States, declaring that the country “will not submit to force” as Tehran signals a possible boycott of fresh peace talks.
His remarks come against the backdrop of rising diplomatic strain following a reported US seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, a move that has cast doubt over proposed negotiations expected to take place in Islamabad, Pakistan.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, April 20, 2026 Pezeshkian said, “Honouring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue. Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward U.S. gov conduct remains, while unconstructive & contradictory signals from American officials carry a bitter message; they seek Iran’s surrender. Iranians do not submit to force.”
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that Iran had signalled it would not participate in a new round of diplomatic talks reportedly being arranged in Pakistan, following the United States’ seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, a development that has further intensified already strained relations between Tehran and Washington.
Quoting an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Al Jazeera reported the government as stating that there are “currently has no plans to engage in any fresh negotiations,” linking the decision directly to what Tehran described as an “unprovoked maritime escalation” by U.S. forces in the Gulf region.
The development comes just hours after U.S. President, Donald Trump, announced that his administration was preparing to send a delegation to Islamabad for possible discussions with Iran, in what was seen as a tentative diplomatic opening amid months of rising hostility.
However, those prospects now appear uncertain as Pakistan simultaneously moved to tighten security in its capital, with authorities reportedly locking down key districts in Islamabad and deploying about 20,000 security personnel in anticipation of possible high-level diplomatic activity.
The diplomatic tension escalated after U.S. forces reportedly intercepted and seized an Iranian cargo vessel, identified as the Touska, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz following a confrontation at sea. The strait remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints for global oil shipments.
According to statements posted by President Trump on his Truth Social platform, U.S. Marines have taken control of the vessel, which he claimed attempted to breach what he described as a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.
“The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom,” Trump wrote.
He further alleged that the vessel had been subject to U.S. Treasury sanctions due to what he called “prior history of illegal activity,” adding that American forces were currently inspecting its cargo.
The seizure has drawn swift condemnation from Iranian officials, who warned that the incident could further disrupt global shipping routes already facing delays in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities also cautioned that hundreds of vessels were currently stranded at both ends of the passage, awaiting clearance amid heightened tensions.
Iran’s Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, said Tehran would continue to assert its economic and strategic rights in the waterway, warning that security in the Strait of Hormuz comes with responsibilities and costs.
He added that Iran should not be deprived of its oil export capabilities while being expected to ensure maritime stability for other nations.
The latest confrontation adds another layer of uncertainty to already fragile U.S.-Iran relations, with diplomatic channels appearing increasingly strained as both sides harden their positions.
