TEHRAN: Iran has announced it will take part in the upcoming Islamabad negotiations, though it remains cautious about the United States, citing long-standing concerns over Washington’s reliability. Vice President Mohammad Raza Arif made the remarks while outlining Tehran’s position ahead of the talks.
Arif said Iran would enter the discussions with full authority, seeking to convert its recent military positioning into meaningful diplomatic leverage.
He commended Pakistan for its efforts in helping broker a temporary ceasefire involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, describing Islamabad’s role as important in easing regional tensions.
However, he reiterated that serious doubts about US intentions persist, warning that this mistrust could influence the direction and outcome of the negotiations.
Commenting on the recent 40-day conflict, Aref claimed Iran had outmaneuvered its adversaries and called the episode a pivotal moment that may reshape geopolitical dynamics in the region and beyond. He added that Iran’s stance had resulted in significant political and security setbacks for its opponents.
The vice president also pointed to public rallies within Iran, describing them as an example of “soft power” that reinforced the country’s overall position.
With the ceasefire still fragile, the Islamabad talks are being closely watched as a potential pathway toward longer-term peace and stability.
