Iranian Speaker says trust deficit remains a major hurdle after prolonged US-Iran talks hosted by Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Iranian Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has thanked Pakistan for hosting high-level talks between Iran and the United States, stating that the responsibility now lies with Washington to rebuild trust and move the diplomatic process forward.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Ghalibaf said Iran participated in the 21-hour-long negotiation with sincerity and commitment but expressed dissatisfaction over the conduct of the opposing side. He noted that despite presenting forward-looking proposals, Tehran failed to secure confidence-building measures or firm guarantees from the United States.
The Iranian speaker emphasized that a deep trust deficit continues to hinder meaningful progress between the two countries. He added that past conflicts and bitter experiences have made Iran cautious during negotiations, limiting the scope of breakthroughs in the latest round of dialogue.
Ghalibaf stressed that it is now up to the United States to demonstrate whether it is willing to take practical steps to restore Iran’s trust. He reiterated that diplomacy can only succeed on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
Referring to Iran’s recent strategic posture, he reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to safeguarding its national interests and maintaining its achievements. He also praised the Iranian delegation for its resilience and dedication throughout the negotiation.
The Iranian leadership described Pakistan as a “friend and brotherly country,” expressing gratitude to both the government and people for facilitating the negotiation. Support from millions of Iranians under the guidance of the Supreme Leader was also acknowledged.
The negotiation, lasting 21 continuous hours, are considered among the longest diplomatic engagements in recent years. Despite Pakistan’s role as a bridge between Tehran and Washington, significant gaps remain, making a comprehensive agreement unlikely in a single round of talks.
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