The Islamabad Deadlock: Why Iran Says The 'Monday Peace Deal' With US Is Far From Final | Exclusive

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 00:50 IST

Tehran has now pulled back the curtain on the 21-hour marathon negotiations held in Islamabad

The diplomatic euphoria surrounding a potential West Asia breakthrough has been met with a cold dose of reality. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has confirmed that the much-anticipated “Monday peace deal" is far from final.

The statement clarifies that while significant negotiations have occurred, Tehran remains in a state of “strategic review" following new proposals delivered by Pakistani Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during his recent stay in Tehran.

Tehran has now pulled back the curtain on the 21-hour marathon negotiations held in Islamabad. According to the SNSC, the United States had initially agreed to operate within Iran’s 10-point plan as a framework for ending the conflict. However, once at the table, the Iranian delegation claims the US shifted the goalposts by raising “new and excessive demands".

The Iranian negotiators have reportedly adopted a “not one iota" policy, refusing to retreat or compromise on national pride. The SNSC noted that this round of talks ended without concrete results and will only resume once the “enemy" abandons its excesses and aligns its demands with the ground realities of Iranian “firepower".

Central to the current stalemate is a new set of American suggestions transmitted via Field Marshal Asim Munir. Top sources indicate that Iran is currently reviewing these proposals but has not yet issued a response. This cautious approach highlights the deep mistrust Tehran harbours towards Washington, especially following the killing of the Supreme Leader, which remains the emotional and political backdrop of these talks.

Perhaps the most critical takeaway for global trade is Iran’s clarification on the Strait of Hormuz. While the “Zionist enemy" agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon due to Iranian insistence, Tehran has attached strict strings to the waterway’s accessibility:

Conditional Access: The Strait will only be “conditionally and temporarily" open for commercial vessels.

Military Exclusion: No military vessels or non-military ships from “hostile nations" will be permitted.

Total Control: All passing vessels must obtain transit permits, follow routes designated by the Iranian Armed Forces, and provide full information on cargo and crew.

Security Fees: Tehran intends to collect fees for “security, safety, and environmental protection services" during transit.

The SNSC was explicit regarding the strategic threat posed by US military bases in the Persian Gulf. Since these bases are largely supplied via the Strait, Iran considers this a direct threat to its national security. The statement warns that any attempt by the “enemy" to disrupt traffic or impose a naval blockade will be viewed as a ceasefire violation, leading to an immediate closure of the Strait.

News world The Islamabad Deadlock: Why Iran Says The 'Monday Peace Deal' With US Is Far From Final | Exclusive

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