Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that although the first round of end-of-war talks with the United States collapsed, the two countries have since continued to exchange views indirectly through a mediating country.

According to state-run IRNA on the 15th (local time), Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said at a briefing that “since the Iranian delegation returned (from Islamabad) on the 12th, multiple exchanges of messages with the United States via Pakistan have continued.”

He added, “We are scheduled to receive a high-level Pakistani delegation in Tehran soon,” and explained, “During this visit, we will discuss in depth what Pakistan discussed with the United States after the Islamabad talks and the detailed views of both sides.” However, he said the date for a second meeting with the United States has not yet been set, and that an extension of the ceasefire has not been finalized.

Iranian media reported that Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, the “key man” in the end-of-war talks, had arrived in Iran leading a high-level political and security delegation. Citing a source, Tasnim News Agency reported that Iran’s negotiating team plans to make a final decision on whether to proceed to a second round of talks with the United States after an internal review based on the results of its meetings with the Pakistani delegation. The source added, “A ceasefire in Lebanon would serve as a positive signal for Iran as it decides whether to move to the next round of talks.”

Spokesperson Baghaei also reaffirmed Iran’s principles on the nuclear issue, the central point of contention in the end-of-war talks. He said the nuclear issue was where the greatest differences had emerged, stating, “The right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy is not something that can be granted or deprived depending on external pressure or wartime conditions,” adding, “As a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), these are the legal benefits Iran is rightfully entitled to.”

He said, “There is room for dialogue regarding the types and levels of uranium enrichment,” but set the precondition that under any circumstances Iran must be able to continue enrichment based on its needs. He also said that while various options for resolving the nuclear issue being discussedincluding a proposal to hand over Iran’s enriched uranium to Russiaare under review, it is too early to discuss concrete agreements because trust in the United States has been lost.

He firmly rejected the Trump administration’s offer of economic support if Iran abandons its nuclear program. He said, “Iran’s nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, and this conforms to Iran’s defense principles and a fatwa (religious teaching).” He added, “Iran’s economy will revive on its own,” and criticized, “It is absurd for those who, until just a few days ago, threatened to return Iran to the Stone Age while destroying critical infrastructure to now speak of economic prosperity.”

Baghaei said that the issue of unfreezing Iran’s assets was discussed in the first round of talks, adding, “The release of frozen assets is not regarded as a concession by the other side but merely a legitimate right that has been infringed.”

Regarding the U.S. maritime blockade of Iran, he said, “Iran is not besieged,” criticizing, “Relying on other means of pressure because a diplomatic process fails to reach results will never succeed.” He expressed concern that “this U.S. measure can be regarded as a precursor to violating the ceasefire agreement,” and warned, “We are closely monitoring the situation and will certainly take appropriate action at any point we deem necessary.”

Baghaei also said that Iran is maintaining military surveillance and readiness in case the United States and Israel use the negotiations as a “cover” for a surprise attack. He said, “The armed forces have closely watched the initiation and continuation of any diplomatic process while, at the same time, monitoring developments on a wartime footing,” adding, “We are prepared to confront any move or adventurist act by the United States and the Zionist regime (Israel).”