Photos: YouTube Screenshot
Ryan Costello, Policy Director with the National Iranian American Council, issued the following statement regarding the U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad and President Trump’s threat of a military blockade on Iran:
“President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will commit an act of war against Iran via a military blockade after a lone day of negotiations is reckless, outrageous and likely to seriously backfire across the board. The pivot to a ceasefire had stabilized the region temporarily, but failure to build on it undermined the basis for negotiations and made a breakthrough all but impossible. Returning to war would be wrong strategically, morally and politically. Iran is extremely unlikely to relent on its bottom lines, and President Trump himself acknowledged that many of the points agreed in the negotiations are far preferable to resuming war. On this basis alone, the President should not take an act that will put countless lives at risk.
“This week has seen President Trump issue a genocidal threat against Iran, the war enter an effective pause, significant walkbacks and violations of the core ceasefire deal and the highest level meeting between the U.S. and Iran in decades. It would have been shocking if Vice President JD Vance walked away with a deal to resolve decades of tensions after one marathon negotiating session, particularly given the rigid demands he appears to have made at the negotiating table. It is concerning that Vance already suggests that the U.S. has put forward a final and best offer, suggesting that the U.S. is still trying to dictate terms rather than negotiate a better future.
“We urge President Trump to walk back his blockade threat and for the U.S. and Iran to reengage and consider implementing practical steps where there is agreement to lower tensions and build on this fragile pause to the war.”
