Iran insists talks must be held in Pakistan, expresses distrust of US: Envoy Moghadam

ISLAMABAD: Iran has reaffirmed its preference for holding negotiations with the United States in Pakistan, expressing strong confidence in Islamabad’s diplomatic role while voicing deep distrust of Washington, the Iranian ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said during a policy discussion in the capital.

Speaking at the Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad, Moghadam stated that any future talks would take place in Pakistan “and nowhere else,” underscoring Tehran’s view of Islamabad as a credible and neutral facilitator. “We trust Pakistan, not the United States,” he said, adding that Washington is a country “that cannot be relied upon.”

Pakistan seen as trusted mediator

The ambassador praised Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in the region, saying Iran considers it a reliable partner for dialogue and mediation. He expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for its efforts in facilitating talks and promoting de-escalation, noting that Islamabad’s engagement has been viewed positively in Tehran.

Highlighting Iran’s geopolitical position, the envoy said the country has faced sustained pressure for over four decades following its 1979 revolution. “For 47 years, we have been under pressure and excesses from the United States and Zionist forces, but they have not succeeded,” he said, adding that conflicts in the region have only deepened over time.

He maintained that Iran does not seek aggression or regional dominance, rejecting claims that Tehran aims to establish hegemony in the Middle East. Instead, he described Iran as a country in a “sensitive position” striving to protect its sovereignty without allowing foreign interference in its internal affairs.

Nuclear issue and regional tensions

Addressing the longstanding nuclear dispute, the ambassador said Iran’s programme is solely for peaceful purposes, insisting that no country has been able to prove otherwise. He added that the International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly confirmed that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons.

He accused Israel of seeking dominance in the Middle East with consistent backing from the United States, alleging that both have worked against Iran’s interests. The envoy also referenced past conflicts, including support for Iraq under Saddam Hussein, and described the nuclear issue as an artificially created dispute that continues to fuel tensions.

The ambassador said previous rounds of US–Iran negotiations had made progress, with five rounds of talks held and some points of agreement reached. However, he alleged that the United States launched attacks on Iran during the negotiation process without prior notice, derailing diplomatic momentum.

Despite suffering significant human and financial losses in recent conflicts, including the deaths of military leaders, scientists and civilians, the envoy said Iran remains united and resilient. He emphasised that the country’s system is built on institutional strength rather than individuals.

Reiterating Tehran’s position, the ambassador said Iran has conveyed its lack of trust in the United States to Pakistan, while appreciating the mediation efforts of Pakistan’s leadership, including the prime minister and military leadership, in seeking a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions.