'World Sees Your Hypocritical Empty Talk': Iranian President Slams US, Lists Obstacles To Negotiations

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 07:21 IST

Iranian President Pezeshkian accused the US of “hypocritical rhetoric” and bad faith, reiterating that Iran will not submit to pressure while calling out breaches of commitments.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has launched a sharp attack on the United States in a series of posts on X, accusing Washington of undermining the prospects for genuine negotiations through inconsistent conduct and coercive tactics.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has welcomed dialogue and agreement and continues to do so," Pezeshkian said, while asserting that “breach of commitments, blockade and threats are main obstacles to genuine negotiations."

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In a direct rebuke, he added, “World sees your endless hypocritical rhetoric and contradiction between claims and actions."

Reinforcing the same message in a parallel post, the Iranian President said “bad faith, siege, and threats" were preventing progress, adding that “the world is witnessing your hypocritical empty talk and the contradiction between your claims and your actions."

“IRANIANS DO NOT SUBMIT TO FORCE"

Pezeshkian’s latest remarks build on his earlier statements from April 20, where he underscored Iran’s deep mistrust of the US and rejected any notion of capitulation under pressure.

“Honoring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue," he wrote, while pointing to “deep historical mistrust in Iran toward US gov conduct."

He criticised what he described as “unconstructive & contradictory signals from American officials," warning that they “carry a bitter message; they seek Iran’s surrender."

“Iranians do not submit to force," he said.

In another post the same day, he reiterated that “adherence to commitments is the logic that justifies any kind of dialogue," adding that “the people of Iran will not bow to coercion."

STRAIT STANDOFF INTENSIFIES AS IRAN SEIZES SHIPS

The strong messaging from Tehran comes as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran tightening its grip on the critical maritime corridor.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized two vessels, the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas, citing maritime violations, marking the first such action since the conflict began in late February.

The Guards said the ships were operating without required permits and had tampered with navigation systems.

Maritime security sources cited by Reuters also reported that another vessel was fired upon but was able to continue its journey.

The development has heightened global economic concerns, as the strait handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply.

With the waterway effectively restricted, oil prices have surged, with Brent crude crossing $100 per barrel, Reuters reported.

CEASEFIRE UNDER PRESSURE, BLOCKADE AT CORE OF DISPUTE

The crisis continues despite a temporary extension of the ceasefire announced by Donald Trump, who said the pause was intended to allow space for diplomacy.

However, Reuters reported that the US has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian trade routes, a move Tehran sees as a violation of the ceasefire’s spirit.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said “a complete ceasefire only has meaning if it is not violated through a naval blockade," adding that reopening the strait was “not possible" under such conditions.

AFP similarly reported that Iran has refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the blockade remains in place, framing it as a “blatant violation" of the truce.

TALKS STALLED DESPITE MEDIATION EFFORTS

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation have so far failed to gain traction.

Meanwhile, the White House indicated that Washington is waiting for a “unified" response from Iran’s leadership, suggesting internal divisions within Tehran.

Despite the pause in direct hostilities, both sides remain far apart on key demands, with the US pushing for limits on Iran’s nuclear programme and Iran seeking sanctions relief, reparations, and recognition of its position in the strait.

SHOW OF DEFIANCE AMID DEADLOCK

Amid the diplomatic impasse, Iran has signalled defiance both rhetorically and militarily.

Reuters reported that Tehran showcased ballistic weapons during a public parade, with state media projecting strong messaging around control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Revolutionary Guards also warned that any disruption to order in the strait would be treated as a “red line," underlining the high stakes of the ongoing standoff.

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