Ghalibaf: US must decide if it can earn Iran’s trust after talks’ end

By Al Mayadeen English
Apr 12, 2026

Iranian Parliament Speaker says the US must prove it can earn Tehran’s trust after Islamabad talks end in deadlock.

Washington must now decide whether it is capable of earning Tehran’s trust, following the conclusion of deadlocked negotiations between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated.

In a post on X, published after the talks, Ghalibaf said Iran had entered the negotiations with “good faith and will,” but emphasized that a lack of trust, shaped by the experience of two previous wars on Iran, remains a central obstacle.


“My colleagues… raised forward-looking initiatives, but the opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations,” he said.

Trust deficit overshadows negotiations

Ghalibaf’s remarks come after 21 hours of intensive talks mediated by Pakistan failed to produce a breakthrough, with both sides remaining far apart on key issues, including Iran’s right to uranium enrichment, the future of its nuclear stockpile, and broader regional questions.

He asserted that the United States had come to understand Iran’s “logic and principles,” but stressed that the burden now lies on Washington to demonstrate whether it can translate that understanding into trust-building measures.

Read also:
Dangerous games: US NUKES Russia in ‘mini exercise’ attended by Pentagon chief

The Iranian official framed diplomacy as part of a broader national strategy, describing negotiations as “another method of authority diplomacy, alongside military struggle,” aimed at safeguarding the rights of the Iranian nation.

Diplomacy tied to national defense

Echoing statements by Iranian officials, Ghalibaf linked the diplomatic track to what he described as Iran’s recent “national defense”, pledging that efforts to consolidate its achievements would not cease.

He praised the Iranian public for mobilizing in support of the country’s leadership, crediting nationwide backing, guided by the Leader of the Islamic Republic and Revolution, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, for strengthening the negotiating position of Iranian delegates.

Ghalibaf also commended the Iranian delegation for its performance during the “intense” negotiations, expressing gratitude for their efforts.

Pakistan’s role highlighted

The parliament speaker extended thanks to Pakistan for facilitating the talks, describing the country as “friendly and brotherly” and acknowledging its role in hosting the negotiations in Islamabad.

His remarks align with statements from Iranian officials who have underscored Pakistan’s role in advancing diplomatic engagement despite the lack of a final agreement.

Iran committed to consolidating internal unity, defending its national rights

Following the collapse of the US-Iran talks in Islamabad, Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref said the country remains committed to consolidating internal unity and defending its national rights.

Referring to the Leader’s remarks about “the melting of ice among segments of society,” Aref described this “unity as vital for progress.


He stressed, “After the end of public mourning, the defense and reconstruction government views this unity as a vital asset for progress and the assertion of the nation’s rights.”

Read also:
Morocco/Spain: Stalled and inadequate inquiries “smack of cover-up”, six months after 37 deaths at Melilla border

“From asserting our authority in the Strait of Hormuz to pursuing reparations,” he emphasized that Iran stands “firm on the people’s rights.”

Aref concluded that this commitment remains the government’s pledge “for a strong Iran.”

Core disputes remain unresolved

The negotiations ended without consensus on several major points of contention, including US demands for Iran to abandon uranium enrichment and relinquish its stockpile, as well as disagreements over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that Washington had presented what he described as its “final and best offer,” adding that it remains to be seen whether Iran will accept the terms.

Iranian officials, however, maintain that Washington’s demands are unrealistic, emphasizing that Tehran will not compromise on what it considers its sovereign rights.

Ghalibaf’s statement reinforces this position, signaling that while diplomacy remains on the table, progress will depend on whether the United States is willing to address the trust deficit that continues to define the negotiations.
.
We remind our readers that publication of articles on our site does not mean that we agree with what is written. Our policy is to publish anything which we consider of interest, so as to assist our readers in forming their opinions. Sometimes we even publish articles with which we totally disagree, since we believe it is important for our readers to be informed on as wide a spectrum of views as possible.