The Media Line: Tehran Declines Talks in Pakistan as President Trump Threatens To ‘Blow Up’ Iran if It Rejects Plan  

Tehran Declines Talks in Pakistan as President Trump Threatens To ‘Blow Up’ Iran if It Rejects Plan  

By The Media Line Staff  

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that talks with Iran are set to resume in Islamabad, but Iranian officials rejected the proposal, citing what they described as excessive US demands and ongoing military pressure.  

Speaking to Fox News in an interview with Trey Yingst, President Trump said special envoy Steve Witkoff and chief advisor Jared Kushner would represent the United States in the renewed negotiations. Iranian state media quickly pushed back, with the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reporting that Tehran would not participate.  

The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on Wednesday, April 22, as Pakistan mediators are working to extend the truce.   

“We are going to hit them harder than any country has been hit before,” President Trump said, adding that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. He also warned that if Tehran does not accept a new plan, it will be “blown up.”  

Iran, meanwhile, signaled it would continue its policy of closing the Strait of Hormuz in response to a US naval blockade, further raising tensions in the region.  

Iranian officials pointed to what they called shifting US positions and continued actions in the region as reasons for declining the talks.  

“Iran stated that its absence from the second round of talks stems from what it called Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire,” IRNA said.  

Tensions have escalated following reported incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump accused Iran of violating a ceasefire by targeting ships in the strategic waterway and warned of severe consequences if a new agreement is not reached.  

In its reporting, IRNA also accused the US of was playing a “blame game,” and making false claims about Iran’s participation in talks to increase pressure on Tehran.  

The exchange highlights continued divisions between Washington and Tehran over both diplomatic and military issues, with no immediate indication that negotiations will move forward.