Avash News: Senior Iranian officials accompanying the delegation include Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and other high-ranking defense, security, and economic officials. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has also arrived in Islamabad to participate in the negotiations.
Speaking upon arrival, Ghalibaf said Iran’s past experience with the United States has been marked by failed negotiations and broken promises. He noted that Iran was attacked twice during previous talks despite showing goodwill, emphasizing that Iran maintains goodwill but lacks trust.
Iranian officials stated that Tehran is prepared to reach an agreement if the United States demonstrates readiness for a genuine deal that respects Iran’s rights. However, they warned that Iran would defend its interests if negotiations are used as a tool for deception.
Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran demonstrated its seriousness by sending a highly capable negotiating team despite repeated U.S. breaches of trust, expressing hope that diplomacy would prevail.
Reports indicate that the United States has agreed to release part of Iran’s frozen assets, a move Tehran views as a sign of goodwill toward achieving a lasting agreement. Details regarding the amount and timeline have not yet been disclosed.
Pakistan denied reports that China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar would participate in the talks, confirming that only Iranian and American delegations are present.
The negotiations are taking place amid skepticism over their success due to ceasefire violations and ongoing regional tensions. Following 40 days of conflict, the United States proposed a ceasefire and requested negotiations. Iran accepted a two-week ceasefire but warned that failure to reach a satisfactory agreement could lead to renewed conflict targeting U.S. and Israeli interests in the region.
