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Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has offered a sharp critique of the diplomatic approach adopted by Washington, questioning the underlying reasons for the lack of progress in the recent high-stakes dialogue.
Taking to social media platform X, the veteran diplomat challenged the premise of the discussions, asking, "Want to know why negotiations did not succeed?" In his assessment, Zarif pointed to a fundamental misalignment in the negotiating strategy of the United States. He referenced a specific remark from US Vice President JD Vance, quoting him as saying, "They have chosen not to accept our terms." The former minister seized upon this statement to illustrate what he views as a recurring flaw in Western diplomacy. "Bingo," wrote Zarif, adding that "no negotiations - at least with Iran - will succeed based on 'our/your terms'." His comments suggest that Tehran views any framework based on unilateral demands as a non-starter for sustainable peace. Expanding on his critique, Zarif warned that the persistence of such an approach would likely result in continued deadlock. He emphasised that sovereign equality and mutual respect are essential for any diplomatic breakthrough, rather than a top-down mandate. "The US must learn: you can't dictate terms to Iran. It's not too late to learn. Yet," he noted, indicating that while the window for constructive engagement remains open, it requires a significant shift in Washington's diplomatic posture. This sentiment of deep scepticism was mirrored by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who broke his silence following the culmination of the discussions in the Pakistani capital. Expressing a lack of confidence in the negotiating partners, Ghalibaf revealed that he had emphasised before the dialogue began that "we have the necessary good faith and will, but due to the experiences of the two previous wars, we have no trust in the opposing side." Reflecting on the outcome of the sessions, the Speaker confirmed that the gap in trust remained the primary obstacle, stating, "The opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations." Despite the deadlock, Ghalibaf acknowledged the mediation efforts of the host nation, noting, "I am also grateful for the efforts of our friendly and brotherly country, Pakistan, in facilitating the process of these negotiations, and I send my regards to the people of Pakistan." Providing further technical detail, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei described the engagement with US officials as the longest round of negotiations over the past year. "I believe this round of negotiations was indeed the longest we've had this past year--twenty-four or twenty-five hours... It continued non-stop until now," he told local media, adding that diplomacy remains a vital tool to protect national interests even in an atmosphere of "mistrust, suspicion, and doubt." Baqaei further noted that military aggression by the American side and the "Zionist regime" twice in nine months made a comprehensive agreement unrealistic in a single session. He revealed that the agenda had expanded to include the "Strait of Hormuz issue or the region," and while some progress was made on a ten-point proposal, friction over "key issues" prevented a final agreement. The spokesperson joined Ghalibaf in thanking Pakistani leadership for their "tremendous efforts" and "excellent hospitality," while confirming that consultations with regional allies would continue. These developments emerge amid heightened tensions after US President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting a potential naval blockade, as both nations remain divided over Tehran's nuclear programme and strategic maritime control. (ANI)
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