Iran says no single-day US deal ‘natural’ given distrust

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated on Sunday that it was entirely “natural” for Tehran and Washington to fail reaching an agreement after only a single day of negotiations in Islamabad, given the profound atmosphere of distrust following recent hostilities.

Talks held amid suspicion after 40-day war

Speaking to Iranian state television, Baqaei described the indirect negotiations between US and Iranian delegations in Pakistan’s capital as taking place “in an atmosphere dominated not only by distrust but also by doubt and suspicion, following a 40-day war initiated for the second time within nine months by the US and Israel.” He added, “Therefore, it is natural that no agreement was reached in a single meeting. In any case, no one had such an expectation.”

Complex agenda and key disagreements remain

Baqaei pointed to the complexity of the agenda, particularly issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional dynamics, which made discussions more difficult. While some progress was achieved on several fronts, disagreements “on two or three key points” ultimately prevented a deal with Washington. He did not clarify whether further rounds of talks would be held. On social media platform X, Baqaei wrote that discussions covered the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, sanctions relief, and ending the war. He stressed that success depends on “seriousness and good faith” from the opposing side, “refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests.” He also thanked Pakistan for hosting. Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that the Iranian delegation has since departed Pakistan.