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No agreement reached in US-Iran talks

From Granma · (2d ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, concluded without an agreement.
  • Both delegations departed, with the US issuing threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iran's Parliament Speaker stated Iran has good faith but distrusts the US due to past conflicts, emphasizing the need for Washington to abandon its "eternal war" logic.
  • Disagreements persisted on key issues including Iran's nuclear program and passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The recent round of talks between the United States and Iran, hosted in Islamabad, Pakistan, has once again ended in a stalemate, underscoring the deep-seated mistrust and conflicting objectives that continue to plague relations between the two nations. Despite hopes for de-escalation, the discussions failed to yield any concrete agreements, with both sides leaving Islamabad pointing fingers at the other.

Iran has the necessary good faith and will, but the country does not trust the other party due to the experience of the two wars imposed by the United States and Israel.

โ€” Mohamad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian ParliamentQalibaf explained Iran's position during the talks, highlighting historical grievances and mistrust towards the US.

Iran, represented by Parliament Speaker Mohamad Baqer Qalibaf, articulated a position rooted in past experiences, emphasizing that while Tehran possesses good faith, decades of conflict and what it perceives as US aggression have eroded trust. Qalibaf stressed that Washington must abandon its "eternal war" logic and its "Israel first" stance to pave the way for any meaningful progress. This sentiment reflects a broader Iranian perspective that views US foreign policy as inherently destabilizing in the region.

Washington must abandon the logic of 'eternal war' and the 'Israel first' stance to be able to reach an advance.

โ€” Mohamad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian ParliamentQalibaf outlined the conditions Iran believes are necessary for progress in US-Iran relations.

The US, on the other hand, reportedly issued threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transit. The American administration's stance, as reported, included warnings of an "immediate blockade" by the US Navy for any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway. This aggressive posturing, coupled with demands for Iran to abandon its nuclear program and ensure freedom of navigation, highlights the significant gap in demands and expectations.

The parties reached understandings on some issues and remained in disagreement on two or three important matters, including the Iranian nuclear program and transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

โ€” Esmail Baqai, Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign MinistryBaqai provided an assessment of the outcomes of the talks, indicating partial progress but significant outstanding issues.

While the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson acknowledged that understandings were reached on some issues, significant disagreements remained on two or three crucial matters, notably Iran's nuclear program and passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The continuation of contacts and consultations with Pakistan and other regional partners was mentioned as a path forward for de-escalation. However, the breakdown of these talks, occurring under the watchful eye of the international community, has once again cast a shadow of uncertainty and danger over the Middle East and the world, reinforcing the perception that a peaceful resolution remains elusive.

Iran has full authority over the intelligent management of the Strait of Hormuz and any attempt by military vessels to pass through the area will be treated with severity.

โ€” Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)The IRGC issued a warning to the US regarding potential actions in the Strait of Hormuz.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Granma in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.