Iran Signals Deep Distrust of US Amid Extended Islamabad Talks

Tehran, April 2026 : Iran has struck a firm and cautious tone during its ongoing negotiations with the United States, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei asserting that Tehran has not forgotten past breaches of trust even as diplomatic efforts continue in Islamabad.

In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Baqaei underscored the deep-rooted mistrust shaping Iran’s approach. He described diplomacy as a continuation of national resistance, stating that Iran remains mindful of what it views as repeated violations of commitments by the United States. He also referenced past conflicts involving both the US and Israel, emphasizing that such experiences continue to influence Iran’s negotiating stance.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Baqaei acknowledged that the talks—facilitated by Pakistan—have been intensive and ongoing. He noted that the Iranian delegation has been engaged in prolonged discussions, with negotiations stretching over several hours and involving continuous exchanges of proposals and messages between the two sides. The mediation efforts by Pakistan have been described as constructive, helping sustain dialogue between the parties.

Highlighting the resolve of the Iranian team, Baqaei said negotiators are utilizing their full expertise and experience to safeguard national interests. He added that recent losses and hardships faced by the country have only strengthened Iran’s determination to defend its rights on the global stage. According to him, nothing will deter Iran from pursuing its long-term national and civilizational goals.

The discussions have reportedly covered a wide range of critical issues, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, war reparations, and efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts. These topics remain highly sensitive and central to both sides’ positions, contributing to the complexity of the negotiations.

Baqaei stressed that the success of the diplomatic process hinges on what he described as the “seriousness and good faith” of the United States. He cautioned against what Iran perceives as excessive or unlawful demands, insisting that any agreement must respect Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

At the conclusion of the latest round, both sides agreed to extend the talks for another day at Pakistan’s suggestion. The negotiations, which began on Saturday afternoon, continued for over 14 hours, reflecting both the urgency and the challenges involved in reaching common ground.

Reports indicate that while some preliminary progress has been made, significant differences remain unresolved—particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz and other strategic concerns. Iranian sources have pointed to continuing disagreements, attributing them largely to what they describe as unrealistic expectations from the US side.

As the talks resume, the outcome remains uncertain. However, the continuation of dialogue suggests that despite deep mistrust and complex issues, both nations are willing to keep diplomatic channels open in pursuit of a possible resolution.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)