Iran Speaker Reveals Tense US Standoff During Islamabad Talks Over Hormuz

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has disclosed details of behind-the-scenes negotiations with the United States, describing a tense confrontation involving a US minesweeper during talks held in Islamabad.

In a television interview, Ghalibaf said Iranian officials challenged the US delegation over naval activity in the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating that the waterway remains under the control of the Islamic Republic. He said Tehran viewed US attempts to clear mines in the strait as a violation of the ceasefire and warned that the situation had come close to escalating.

According to Ghalibaf, Iranian negotiators warned the American side that any further movement by the minesweeper would trigger a military response.

Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran is not prepared to enter a fresh round of direct talks with Washington, citing continued US refusal to drop what Iran described as maximalist demands, especially over its nuclear programme.