Iran-US negotiations: Qalibaf accuses Trump of imposing surrender
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf asserted that US President Donald Trump is attempting to transform the negotiating table into a platform for imposing conditions, emphasizing Tehran's categorical rejection of engaging in negotiations with the US under threat or political and economic pressure. These statements come at a sensitive time, as attention focuses on the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, which is preparing to host a new round of direct and indirect talks between the two sides under intensive regional and international auspices. This comes amidst divergent positions and cautious optimism regarding the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough that could end years of escalating tensions.
A history of tension and the course of negotiations between Iran and the United States
These developments come after years of diplomatic deadlock following US President Donald Trump's decision during his first term to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear agreement and reimpose crippling economic sanctions on Tehran. With his return to the White House, observers believe the US administration is pursuing a maximum pressure strategy to extract greater concessions and amend the terms of the previous agreement, while Iran seeks to maintain its regional and nuclear leverage. The upcoming talks are seen as a serious attempt to test intentions and explore opportunities for reaching a new agreement that would lift sanctions in exchange for clear restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.
Islamabad's arrangements and Tehran's nuclear proposals
According to media reports, logistical and political arrangements in Pakistan have been finalized to host the American and Iranian delegations. News sources quoted a Pakistani official as saying that his country had received positive signals from Tehran confirming its participation in these talks, which are expected to begin Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Iran has submitted a proposal that includes suspending uranium enrichment for 10 years, followed by limited enrichment for another 10 years. This move reflects Tehran's willingness to make technical concessions in exchange for economic gains, despite reports from the US indicating potential divisions within the Iranian negotiating team regarding the extent of these concessions.
Pakistani mediation and the impact of de-escalation on the region
The importance of these negotiations extends beyond the nuclear issue to include regional stability in the Middle East and Central Asia. In this regard, Islamabad has called on both Washington and Tehran to extend the current ceasefire for an additional two weeks to allow diplomacy a chance. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to officially announce this extension. For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated that US violations of the ceasefire constitute a major obstacle to the success of diplomatic efforts, highlighting the close link between the situation on the ground and the political negotiation process.
