Qalibaf Blames Washington After Islamabad Talks Collapse: "The U.S. Failed to Earn Iran's Trust"
Iran's Parliamentary Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf issued a detailed statement blaming the United States for the failure of historic peace talks in Islamabad, saying that despite Iran presenting 168 forward-looking initiatives, Washington was "ultimately unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation."
Qalibaf's Position
Even before arriving in Islamabad, Qalibaf had signaled deep skepticism. On April 8, he posted that bilateral negotiations with the United States would be "unreasonable" given serious violations committed by the aggressors. He cited Israel's devastating attacks on Lebanon as evidence of bad faith.
"Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises," Qalibaf said upon landing in Pakistan.
The Trust Deficit
Qalibaf framed Iran's reluctance as the product of bitter experience: "Iran has the necessary good faith and will, but the country has no trust in the opposite side due to the experience of two US-Israeli-imposed wars."
He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for hosting the negotiations: "I am grateful for the efforts of the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan."
What is Iran's 10-Point Negotiation Plan?
Iran publicly circulated a 10-point framework including: an immediate ceasefire (including Lebanon), release of $6 billion in frozen assets, war reparations, recognition of Iran's sovereign control of the Strait of Hormuz, guarantees for peaceful nuclear energy, lifting of all sanctions, a non-aggression pact, reconstruction assistance, return of diplomatic properties, and a formal apology for Khamenei's assassination. Western analysts viewed this as a maximalist opening position.
Implications for Kurdistan
The failure is deeply concerning for the Kurdistan Region. The KRG's economy depends on oil revenues disrupted by the Hormuz closure. Iranian-backed militias operate near Kurdistan's borders. The KRG has maintained careful diplomatic balance, and the prolongation of conflict will test this to its limits.