Islamabad: Iran has warned it will walk out of the ongoing Islamabad talks if its demands are not met, escalating tensions surrounding the first direct negotiations with the United States since the fragile April 7 ceasefire.
According to state broadcaster IRIB, the Iranian delegation stated it would leave “if the interests of the people and the Islamic Republic are not met.”
The talks take place against a fractured backdrop, with the ceasefire that ended nearly 39 days of conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran still disputed, as both sides differ on its terms.
Iran’s delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and former nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri, signals a serious stance, officials said. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described the discussions as “a demand,” noting Tehran has presented a long list of conditions.
IRIB reported that the US has accepted Iran’s first demand, which is the release of frozen Iranian funds, following bilateral meetings and technical consultations.
However, the situation in Lebanon remains the most contentious issue. While a ceasefire exists in Beirut, Iran insists Israeli Defence Forces must halt strikes in southern Lebanon, calling it a red line.
Tehran has also warned it could keep the Strait of Hormuz closed if Israeli attacks continue. Meanwhile, the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, said Washington is open to dialogue but cautioned Iran against disrupting negotiations.
