Iran has suspended scheduling further negotiations with the United States until both sides agree on a framework for discussions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh announced Saturday.
The declaration follows the collapse of the highest-level US-Iran talks since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ended in Islamabad last weekend without agreement. Pakistan had brokered the historic direct negotiations between the longtime adversaries.
We are now focusing on finalising the framework of understanding between two sides. We don't want to enter into any negotiation or meeting which is doomed to fail and which can be a pretext for another round of escalation
Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister — Al-Monitor
Speaking to reporters at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Khatibzadeh blamed what he called a "maximalist approach" by the US side for preventing agreement. He specifically cited American demands regarding Iran's nuclear program as attempts to place Iran outside international law.
Until we agree the framework, we cannot set the date... There was significant progress made actually. But then the maximalist approach by the other side, trying to make Iran an exception from international law prevented us to reach an agreement
Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister — Economic Times
The Iranian position creates uncertainty around President Trump's recent suggestion that more direct talks would likely occur this weekend. Diplomatic sources have expressed skepticism about the logistics of reconvening in Islamabad on such short notice.
Iran's insistence on operating within international legal frameworks appears central to the deadlock. Khatibzadeh emphasized that any commitments Iran makes must align with international regulations and law, rejecting what he characterized as US attempts to create special exceptions.
I have to be very crystal clear that Iran would not accept to be an exception from the international law. Anything that we are going to be committed will be within the international regulations and international law
Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister — Al-Monitor
The diplomatic impasse coincides with renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reportedly closed the strategic waterway again Saturday after briefly reopening it following a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Khatibzadeh accused the US of violating ceasefire terms by restricting Iranian vessel passage while allowing other commercial traffic. He framed Iran's response as consequences for American failure to honor agreements.
The other side, the American side, tried to sabotage that by saying that it is open except for Iranians. So that was the reason we said that 'if you are going to violate the ceasefire terms and conditions, if Americans are not going to honour their words, there will be repercussions for them'
Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister — Economic Times
The breakdown leaves both sides facing the challenge of preventing escalation while maintaining their negotiating positions. Iran's framework demand suggests it seeks procedural guarantees before engaging in substantive discussions, while the US appears focused on specific nuclear program limitations.
Al Jazeera frames the story through Iran's perspective, emphasizing Tehran's insistence on preserving its rights under international law. The outlet presents Iran's position as principled resistance to US overreach, reflecting Qatar's role as a regional mediator that maintains dialogue with Iran while hosting US military bases.
The Hindu takes a procedural approach, focusing on the diplomatic mechanics and Pakistan's brokering role. This reflects India's complex position of maintaining strategic autonomy while managing relationships with both the US and Iran, emphasizing diplomatic process over taking sides in the substantive disputes.