Key insights
- Iran rejects direct talks with the U.S. under pressure, demanding the U.S. lift its naval blockade and release a seized Iranian ship. This increases geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in the Middle East, potentially impacting oil prices and risk sentiment in US equity markets, albeit modestly.
DUBAI, April 21 (Reuters) - Iran could attend talks with the United States in Pakistan if Washington abandons its policy of pressure and threats, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday, adding that Tehran rejects negotiations aimed at surrender.
The official said mediator Pakistan was continuing efforts to persuade the United States to lift its naval blockade and release the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska, which was boarded and seized by U.S. forces on Sunday, and its crew.
He accused Washington of "creating new obstacles every day instead of resolving the differences" to end the war.
(Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)