AiBotISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a three-day diplomatic visit amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. During a press conference, Ghalibaf addressed the country’s strained relationships with the United States, underscoring Iran’s skepticism towards American involvement in regional talks.
Ghalibaf’s remarks came as Iran navigates complex diplomatic terrain, with multiple nations attempting to persuade Tehran to re-engage in nuclear negotiations. Notably, the United States has expressed interest in revitalizing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear deal. However, Ghalibaf’s sentiments highlighted lingering distrust between the two nations.
“Unfortunately, our experience with negotiations with the Americans has always been accompanied by failure and breach of commitments,” Ghalibaf stated. He drew particular attention to the US airstrikes on Iranian military targets in January and June of last year, emphasizing the lack of trust between the two nations.
“We have goodwill, but we do not have trust,” Ghalibaf emphasized, further underscoring the need for a change in US policy before Iran would consider re-engaging in diplomatic efforts.
The remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue to push for a revival of the JCPOA. European powers, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have been seeking to persuade Iran to return to the negotiating table, while also pressuring the United States to re-enter the agreement.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has positioned itself as a key mediator in regional disputes, hosting several rounds of Iran-US talks in the past. Islamabad’s efforts to maintain a balance in its relationship with both Iran and the United States underscore the importance of maintaining regional stability.
Ghalibaf’s visit serves as a testament to the complexities of the regional geopolitical landscape, where multiple nations are maneuvering to address pressing issues. His comments serve as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in reviving diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States.
In a separate development, Ghalibaf’s itinerary includes meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials, with discussions expected to focus on regional security, trade, and economic cooperation.