No Trust in Washington: Iranian Speaker Ghalibaf Issues Stern Warning Ahead of Peace Talks
Speaking to journalists upon his arrival in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Ghalibaf asserted that Tehran’s previous attempts at diplomacy were met with "deception" rather than reciprocal goodwill. He accused Washington of committing war crimes and launching attacks even while negotiations were underway over the past year. According to a report by Tasnim News Agency, Ghalibaf warned that if the U.S. intends to use the current dialogue as a mere tactical maneuver or a ruse, Iran is fully prepared to protect its national interests through its own strategic capabilities.
The high-stakes meeting, brokered by Pakistan, is set to commence this Saturday afternoon at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. Although earlier media reports suggested an 8:00 AM start time, official updates have confirmed that the schedule was pushed to the afternoon. Prior to the formal face-to-face session, the delegations from both Washington and Tehran are expected to hold separate meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This diplomatic outreach follows the 14-day ceasefire that went into effect on April 8, which provided the necessary window for this high-level engagement between the two adversaries.
Iran’s participation in the talks is centered around a comprehensive 10-point proposal. Key demands include the total withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the region, the lifting of all economic sanctions, and the restoration of Iranian control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Ghalibaf emphasized that while Tehran is ready for a definitive agreement, such progress is strictly contingent upon Washington sincerely recognizing the fundamental rights of the Iranian people. The Iranian leadership remains skeptical, viewing the U.S. presence in the region as a primary obstacle to lasting peace.
The global community is watching the proceedings in Islamabad with intense focus, as the results of this summit will dictate the future stability of the Middle East. While the atmosphere remains clouded by mutual suspicion, the mere fact that both sides have agreed to sit at the same table marks a significant shift in the 40-day conflict. Financial markets and regional stakeholders are hopeful that the 14-day truce can be transitioned into a broader diplomatic framework, though the starkly different agendas of the two nations suggest that the path to a final resolution remains fraught with difficulty.
