Why peace talks with US failed – Iran

Iran has explained why its recent peace talks with the United States in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed to produce a breakthrough, citing deep mistrust and unresolved strategic disagreements.

Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the delegation, said the United States could not gain the confidence of Iranian representatives during the negotiations.

In a post shared on X following the talks, Ghalibaf stressed that Iran entered the discussions with no trust in the US, referencing past experiences and conflicts between both countries.

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“Iran has no trust in the opposing side due to the experiences of the two previous wars,” he stated, adding that while Iran engaged in the talks in good faith and presented “forward-looking initiatives,” it was now up to Washington to prove it could be trusted.

He wrote, “America has comprehended our logic and principles, and now it is time for it to determine whether it can earn our trust or not,” while also thanking Pakistan for facilitating the dialogue.

Earlier reports from Iranian state media indicated that major areas of disagreement included Iran’s nuclear programme and issues surrounding transit and security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing over Iran’s internal situation, as an ongoing internet blackout has now entered its seventh week.

According to NetBlocks, the disruption has lasted 44 days, exceeding 1,000 hours and marking one of the longest shutdowns recorded in a highly connected society.

The group noted that the blackout has had significant human and economic consequences, leaving many Iranians cut off from the outside world and from one another. Only a limited number of officials reportedly retain internet access, which has been used to share updates on the ongoing situation.