Tensions ran high even as diplomacy took centre stage in Islamabad, with Iran declaring that its “fingers remain on the trigger,” Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani signalled a hardline stance, underscoring that Tehran does not trust the United States despite engaging in high-stakes peace talks. The stark warning casts a shadow over the fragile diplomatic opening and highlights the deep-rooted suspicion shaping the dialogue.
Speaking amid ongoing negotiations, Mohajerani emphasised that Iran would not retreat from its core positions. She asserted that Tehran would neither compromise nor step back from what it considers its sovereign rights.
While reiterating Iran’s willingness to engage, she made it clear that participation in the talks does not indicate confidence in the United States’ intentions. “We believe in dialogue and are rational, but we do not trust the United States,” she said, adding that Iranian negotiators are proceeding with extreme caution.
High-stakes peace talks underway in Islamabad
The remarks come as senior officials from Iran and the United States meet in Islamabad for crucial negotiations, with Pakistan playing host to the diplomatic effort. The talks are being closely watched as a potential step toward de-escalation in a volatile region.
US Vice President JD Vance held a key meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, signalling Washington’s broader regional outreach.
The US delegation includes senior figures such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, while Pakistan is represented by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Ahead of formal discussions, the Iranian delegation held internal strategy meetings to sharpen its negotiating approach, reflecting the seriousness of the engagement.
Divide remains sharp
Despite ongoing dialogue, the gap between the two sides remains wide. Iranian Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref indicated that the success of the talks depends heavily on Washington’s strategic priorities.
He suggested that if the United States follows an “Israel First” approach instead of “America First,” prospects for any agreement would diminish sharply. Aref also warned that failure to reach a deal could escalate tensions further, with broader global consequences.
As negotiations continue, Iran’s strong messaging underscores the fragile nature of the process. While both sides remain at the table, the absence of trust and the persistence of ideological differences suggest that any breakthrough will be difficult and hard-won.