Iranian Ambassador: Received Signals from U.S. to End Blockade

On April 22, the Associated Press reported that Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, stated that his government has “received some signals” indicating that the U.S. is prepared to end the blockade. He mentioned on Tuesday that once Washington lifts the blockade, “I believe the next round of negotiations will take place in Islamabad.” He claimed that the U.S. maritime blockade violates the ceasefire agreement and reiterated that lifting the blockade is a condition for new negotiations. The U.S. has not publicly stated that it will lift the blockade. Iravani stated that the U.S. has waged war against Iran, and if they want to return to the negotiating table “and seek a political solution, they will find that we are ready.” Speaking to a small group of reporters at the United Nations headquarters in New York, he said, “If they want war, Iran is also ready.” When asked how hopeful he was about the possibility of a new round of negotiations, the ambassador replied, “We should give it a chance — we remain hopeful.”