Ghalibaf says lack of trust in US stalled progress in Islamabad talks

Iranian Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that despite Iran entering negotiations in good faith, a lack of trust in the United States prevented progress during the recent talks in Islamabad.

The statement came after no deal was reached in US-Iran talks despite 21-hour negotiations in Islamabad

In a statement issued after the negotiations, Ghalibaf said Iran had made it clear beforehand that while it was willing to engage constructively, past experiences, including two wars, had created deep mistrust toward the opposing side.

He noted that members of the Iranian delegation presented forward-looking proposals during the talks. Still, the US side ultimately failed to build the confidence required for a breakthrough in this round.

“America has understood our logic and principles, and now it must decide whether it can earn our trust,” he said, emphasizing that trust remains the key obstacle in moving forward.

Ghalibaf stressed that diplomacy remains an important tool alongside other means to safeguard Iran’s national interests, adding that Tehran would continue efforts to protect the gains achieved during what he described as 40 days of national defense.

He also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for facilitating the negotiations, calling it a “friendly and brotherly country,” and extended his regards to the Pakistani people for their support.

The statement comes after marathon talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad ended without a final agreement, with both sides acknowledging progress on some issues but remaining divided on key points.