US failed to gain Tehran's trust in Islamabad, says Iran's chief negotiator

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on Sunday that the U.S. delegation was ultimately "unable to gain the trust" of the Iranian side during the Islamabad Talks.

He posted a five-point statement on X after departing Pakistan, and declared it now rests with Washington to decide whether it can earn that trust ahead of any future engagement.

'The other side was unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation'

Ghalibaf wrote in his first post on X after the conclusion of the talks:

"Before the negotiations I emphasized that we have the necessary good will and determination, but due to the experience of two previous wars, we do not trust the other side. My colleagues in the Iranian delegation presented 168 forward-looking initiatives, but the other side was ultimately unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations," Ghalibaf wrote.

'America understood our logic, now it must decide'

In his second point, Ghalibaf made clear where the diplomatic burden now lies.

"America understood our logic and principles, and now it is time for it to decide whether it can gain our trust or not," he wrote.

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'Diplomacy of strength' combined with military deterrence

Ghalibaf outlined Iran's overall strategic posture going forward.

"We consider diplomacy of strength as another method alongside military struggle to secure the rights of the Iranian nation, and we will not for a moment cease efforts to consolidate the achievements of forty days of Iranians' national defense," he wrote.

People are seen going about their daily routines on streets and avenues in Tehran, Iran, April 11, 2026. (AA Photo)

Gratitude to Pakistan, the Iranian people and the delegation

Ghalibaf expressed appreciation to Pakistan for facilitating the process.

"I am grateful for the efforts of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan to facilitate the process of these negotiations, and I send greetings to the people of Pakistan," he wrote.

He also thanked the Iranian public and closed with a tribute to both the negotiating team and the country.

"Iran is one body with 90 million souls. I am grateful to all the heroic people of Iran who, on the recommendation of the Supreme Leader and by taking to the streets, supported their children and sent us off with their prayers and blessings. I say 'Allah give you strength' to my colleagues in these intensive 21-hour negotiations. Long live dear Iran!" Ghalibaf wrote.

April 12, 2026 01:04 PM GMT+03:00