Behind Iran's Hesitant Stance on a Peace Agreement with the US

The Iranian government’s stance remains hesitant regarding the potential establishment of a peace agreement with the United States (US). On the other hand, Iran has raised several violations committed by the US during the period of the ceasefire between the two countries. Quoted from detikNews, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two foreign ministers discussed issues related to the US-Iran ceasefire on Monday (20/4). The Iranian Foreign Ministry, in a statement, once again expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts in the ceasefire talks. However, Iran stated that the provocative actions and ongoing ceasefire violations by the US are the main obstacles to continuing diplomacy. Iran also mentioned US threats and aggression against Iranian commercial ships during the ceasefire period. They described this as a contradictory position and threatening rhetoric against Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also touched on the still high historical distrust of Iran towards the US. Pezeshkian emphasised that Iran will not submit to external coercion to surrender. “In addition to the deep historical distrust in Iran towards the behaviour and performance of the US government, the non-constructive and contradictory approach of US officials in recent days carries a bitter message: they want Iran’s surrender,” Pezeshkian wrote on X. “The Iranian people will not submit to coercion,” he added. On the other hand, US President Donald Trump previously claimed that his country and Iran will soon sign a peace agreement. The signing of the document will take place in Islamabad, Pakistan. Trump made that claim to Fox News reporter Maria Bartiromo in a telephone interview. However, it is not yet known when the telephone conversation between the two took place. Trump has also warned that if no agreement is signed, he will blow up power plants and bridges in Iran. On Sunday (19/4), Trump announced that US Vice President JD Vance and envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Islamabad. They will serve as the US delegation in the new round of negotiations with Iran.