Talks Only If Conditions Are Met: Iran Maintains Firm Stance

Iran has made it clear that it will not soften its stance and will engage in talks only if its conditions are met. Uncertainty continues to surround the proposed US-Iran discussions to be held in Pakistan. Despite several hours passing since US Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in Islamabad, no direct meeting has taken place with the Iranian delegation. In this context, the chances of direct talks appear slim, while there are expectations that indirect negotiations may begin through Pakistan. However, Iran is reported to have set certain key conditions even for such backchannel discussions.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already met J.D. Vance. Senior Pakistani officials are also believed to have held separate meetings with both US and Iranian representatives. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher and Foreign Minister Araghchi reportedly participated in these discussions. Iran has insisted that, as a precondition for talks, attacks on Lebanon must stop and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon must be established. Additionally, it has demanded the immediate lifting of sanctions on its frozen assets held in banks in Qatar and other countries. Against this backdrop, there is growing global interest in how the US, Pakistan and Iran will move forward with the negotiations.