Iran’s Ghalibaf says US failed to earn Iran’s trust despite ‘goodwill, constructive proposals’

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday said the US failed to earn Iran’s trust despite its goodwill and constructive proposals during the latest round of talks in Islamabad.

The US and Iran failed to reach an agreement to end their war despite ​marathon talks that concluded on Sunday in Islamabad, jeopardising a fragile ceasefire. Each side blamed the other for the failure of the 21-hour negotiations to end fighting that ‌has killed thousands and sent global oil prices soaring since it began over six weeks ago.

“Iran entered the negotiations with serious intent, but past experiences from previous wars left Tehran sceptical. The US failed to earn Iran’s trust despite Iran’s goodwill and constructive proposals during the latest round of talks,” he said in a post on X.

Ghalibaf added that Iran’s delegation presented forward-looking initiatives, yet the other side ultimately could not build confidence.

“The US now understands Iran’s principles and must decide whether it can gain Iran’s trust. Iran views ‘power diplomacy’ as a key tool, alongside military resistance, to secure the nation’s rights and will not stop working to consolidate the achievements of its 40 days of national defence,” he said.

He also extended his appreciation to Pakistan for facilitating the negotiations and expressed gratitude to the Iranian people for their support.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the US-Iran talks reached an agreement on several points, but views differed on two important issues, and it did not lead to an agreement. He added that talks conducted in an atmosphere of mistrust, it is natural that we shouldn’t have expected to reach an agreement in just one session.

In a separate post on X earlier, he said, “In the past 24 hours, discussions were held on various dimensions of the main negotiation topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, the lifting of sanctions, and the complete end to the war against Iran and in the region.”

Also Read: FM Dar calls on US, Iran to uphold ceasefire commitment 

He stated that the success of the diplomatic process depended on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

He also expressed appreciation to Pakistan and its people for hosting the negotiations and their benevolent efforts in advancing the process.

Baghaei added, “We have not forgotten and will not forget the experiences of America’s breaches of promise and malicious acts, just as we will not forgive the heinous crimes committed by them and the Zionist regime during the course of the second and third imposed wars.”

He emphasised that the intensive negotiations, which began on Saturday with Pakistan’s benevolent efforts and mediation, had continued without interruption.

“The Iranian negotiators are employing all their capabilities, experience, and knowledge to safeguard Iran’s rights and interests. The heavy loss of our great elders, dear ones, and fellow countrymen has made our resolve to pursue the Iranian nation’s interests and rights firmer than ever before,” he said.

Baghaei concluded that nothing can or should deter them from pursuing their great historical mission toward their beloved homeland and noble Iranian civilisation.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to utilise all tools, including diplomacy, to secure national interests and protect the country’s well-being,” he said.

Read More: Vance leaves Islamabad 

A day earlier, US and Iranian delegations arrived in Pakistan for conclusive talks following a two-week immediate ceasefire “everywhere, including Lebanon,” announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who later invited delegations from both countries to Islamabad.

However, the talks ended without reaching an agreement as US Vice President JD Vance left Pakistan this morning, stating that intensive discussions with Iran failed to produce an agreement, though he appreciated Pakistan’s efforts.

“We have been at it now for 21 hours, and we’ve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That’s the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that’s bad news for Iran much more than it’s bad news for the United States of America,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

Later, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed that the US and Iran should continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire as talks ended without an agreement.

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire,” said Dar during a presser as US Vice President Vance departed this morning after announcing the conclusion of talks without any result.

Dar expressed deep gratitude to Iran and the US for responding to the call made by Prime Minister Shehbaz for an immediate ceasefire in the region and accepting the invitation to hold peace talks in Islamabad.

With additional input from Reuters.