Iran has sharpened its rhetoric following the collapse of high-stakes negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, signalling that deep-rooted mistrust continues to overshadow any path toward a breakthrough. The talks ended without progress, with both sides unable to bridge longstanding differences.
In a strongly worded statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei made it clear that Tehran’s position remains anchored in its past dealings with Washington. He said Iran has neither forgotten nor intends to forget what it describes as repeated breaches of commitments by the United States, coupled with hostile actions over the years.
Baqaei also referenced “heinous crimes” involving the US and Israel during earlier conflicts, underscoring the depth of resentment shaping Iran’s negotiating stance.
In a detailed post on X, he stated, “We have not forgotten and will not forget the experiences of America’s breaches of promise and malicious acts. Just as we will not forgive the heinous crimes committed by them and the Zionist regime during the course of the second and third imposed wars.”
دیپلماسی برای ما ادامه جهاد مقدس مدافعان ایران زمین است. تجربه بدعهدیها و بدسگالیهای آمریکا را فراموش نکرده و نمیکنیم. همانطور که جنایات شنیع ارتکابی آنها و رژیم صهیونیستی در جریان جنگهای تحمیلی دوم و سوم را نخواهیم بخشید.
امروز روز پر کار و طولانی برای هیات نمایندگی جمهوری…
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) April 12, 2026
Emphasising the domestic sentiment driving Tehran’s approach, Baqaei said the loss of Iranian lives in past confrontations has only strengthened the country’s determination. He noted that Iranian negotiators remain fully committed, deploying all available expertise and resources to defend national interests and secure what Tehran views as its legitimate rights.
Baqaei added, “The Iranian negotiators employed all their capabilities, experience, and knowledge to safeguard Iran’s rights and interests. The heavy loss of our great elders, dear ones, and fellow countrymen has made our resolve to pursue the Iranian nation’s interests and rights firmer than ever before.”
Despite the hardened tone, Iran stopped short of closing the door on diplomacy. Baqaei reiterated that the Islamic Republic remains committed to pursuing its strategic goals through all available means, including negotiations, while safeguarding national sovereignty and stability.
The latest breakdown highlights the fragile state of US-Iran engagement, with trust deficits continuing to derail progress. With positions appearing more entrenched after the Islamabad round, prospects for an early diplomatic resolution remain uncertain.