By Sello Lentsoane | NNA News                               (Photo Credit: Official News Agency IRNA)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is prepared to continue diplomatic engagement with the United States, provided what he described as Washington’s “maximalist” approach comes to an end.

Speaking during a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Pezeshkian said U.S. actions at sea must be condemned, referring to what he described as “maritime piracy” against Iranian ships.

He said U.S. measures, including the blockade of Iranian ports, were “unacceptable and contrary to international laws and regulations.”

Pezeshkian added that Iran remains ready to pursue diplomacy for a “fair” solution that guarantees the country’s rights and ensures stability in the region, but said progress depends on ending what he described as a “maximalist approach and provocative actions.”

He attributed insecurity in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz to what he described as U.S. and Israeli “aggressive actions,” including attacks on infrastructure and commercial vessels, and called on other countries to take a “clear and firm” position.

For her part, Takaichi said Japan values its “friendly and stable” relations with Iran and emphasised diplomacy as the primary means of addressing tensions.

She also requested safe passage for Japanese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and expressed hope that negotiations between Iran and the United States would resume and lead to an agreement.

The developments follow a ceasefire that took effect on 8 April after 40 days of fighting involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Talks held in Islamabad after the ceasefire did not produce an agreement, and tensions in the region remain unresolved.