JUST IN: Iranian President Pezeshkian Issues Statement as Direct US Talks Begin in Islamabad
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Diplomacy & Conflict
As high-stakes direct negotiations between Iran and the United States officially commenced in Islamabad, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian released a forceful statement outlining Tehran’s approach to the talks and reaffirming the government’s commitment to the Iranian people regardless of the outcome. The statement, issued from Tehran, framed the negotiations as a test of Iranian resolve and national unity .
The president’s remarks came as the Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, sat down with the American delegation headed by Vice President JD Vance at the heavily fortified Serena Hotel in Pakistan’s capital .
‘A Staunch Guardian of Iran’s Interests’
President Pezeshkian’s statement emphasized the strength and determination of the Iranian negotiating team, describing its members as unwavering defenders of the nation’s interests.
“The high-ranking Iranian delegation that has arrived in Pakistan is a staunch guardian of Iran’s interests with all its might, and in this vein, it will engage in negotiations with courage.” — President Masoud Pezeshkian
The president’s characterization of the delegation as a “staunch guardian” reflects Tehran’s official position that the negotiators are operating from a position of strength, not desperation. The Iranian team includes not only senior diplomats but also four senior commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), underscoring the military dimension of the discussions and signaling that any agreement will require the buy-in of Iran’s armed forces .
Pezeshkian’s reference to “courage” in negotiations suggests that Tehran anticipates difficult discussions and expects its representatives to stand firm on core Iranian demands, including a ceasefire in Lebanon, the release of frozen assets, and the preservation of Iran’s nuclear program .
‘Service to the People Will Not Pause’
The Iranian president also sought to reassure the Iranian public that domestic governance would continue uninterrupted regardless of the diplomatic process unfolding in Islamabad.
“In any case, our service to the people will not pause for a moment, and whatever the outcome of the negotiations may be, the government stands firmly by the people’s side.” — President Masoud Pezeshkian
This portion of the statement appears designed to manage public expectations ahead of the talks. By declaring that “service to the people will not pause,” Pezeshkian is signaling that the government remains focused on addressing domestic needs — including economic pressures, public services, and reconstruction following the war — even as diplomatic efforts proceed .
The pledge that “whatever the outcome of the negotiations may be, the government stands firmly by the people’s side” suggests that Tehran is preparing the Iranian public for multiple possible scenarios, from a successful deal to a collapse of the talks. The statement implies that regardless of what happens in Islamabad, the regime will continue to govern and protect Iranian interests .
The Negotiating Context: ‘Make or Break’
President Pezeshkian’s statement came as the two delegations began what Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described as a “make or break” moment for regional peace . The talks are the first direct face-to-face negotiations between the two nations since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28 .
| Delegation | Lead Representative | Key Members |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Vice President JD Vance | Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, Brad Cooper |
| Iran | Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf | Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, 4 senior IRGC commanders |
Sources: Government of Pakistan, multiple news reports
The agenda for the talks includes several contentious issues:
- Strait of Hormuz: Iran has maintained effective control over the waterway, while the US demands complete reopening
- Nuclear program: The US seeks an end to enrichment; Iran insists on its right to enrich for civilian purposes
- Frozen assets: Iran has demanded the release of its assets; the US has denied any agreement
- Lebanon: Iran insists on a ceasefire; Israel and the US have rejected this
- Sanctions: Iran demands complete lifting; the US has proposed phased relief
‘Courage’ in Negotiations: What Iran Wants
President Pezeshkian’s emphasis on “courage” suggests that the Iranian delegation has been instructed to hold firm on core demands.
Iran’s core negotiating positions:
| Issue | Iranian Position |
|---|---|
| Strait of Hormuz | Gradual reopening under Iranian regulatory control; possible transit fees |
| Nuclear program | Right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes |
| Sanctions | Complete lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions |
| Frozen assets | Unconditional release |
| US military presence | Complete withdrawal from Middle East bases |
| Lebanon | Ceasefire must include Hezbollah as “inseparable part” |
The presence of IRGC commanders at the negotiating table signals that military considerations are central to Iran’s strategy. The IRGC has been the primary force behind Iran’s military operations throughout the 40-day conflict, and its direct participation suggests that any agreement reached will carry the full weight of the Iranian establishment .
‘Service to the People’: Domestic Pressures
Pezeshkian’s reference to “service to the people” reflects the significant domestic pressures facing the Iranian government after 40 days of war.
Domestic challenges:
- Economic strain: The war has exacerbated inflation and disrupted trade
- Infrastructure damage: US-Israeli strikes have damaged energy facilities, transportation networks, and military installations
- Casualties: Iran has suffered significant military and civilian casualties
- Displacement: Internal displacement has occurred in areas near military targets
By emphasizing that “service to the people will not pause,” Pezeshkian is signaling that the government is actively working to address these challenges — from repairing damaged infrastructure to maintaining essential services — even as diplomatic efforts proceed .
‘Whatever the Outcome’: Preparing for Multiple Scenarios
The president’s acknowledgment that the government will stand by the people “whatever the outcome of the negotiations may be” suggests that Tehran is preparing for multiple possible results.
Potential scenarios:
- Successful deal: A comprehensive agreement that addresses Iran’s core demands
- Partial agreement: A limited deal focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and a temporary ceasefire
- Extended negotiations: Talks continue beyond the initial timeframe without a final agreement
- Collapse of talks: Negotiations break down, potentially leading to resumed hostilities
By pledging that “the government stands firmly by the people’s side” regardless of the outcome, Pezeshkian is attempting to maintain national unity and regime legitimacy irrespective of what happens at the negotiating table .
The Broader Context: Iran’s Position of Strength
President Pezeshkian’s statement aligns with Tehran’s broader narrative that Iran enters the negotiations from a position of strength. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi declared earlier Saturday that Iran has the “upper hand” in negotiations and that the United States has “suffered major defeats” .
| Iranian Claim | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|
| “Upper hand” | Control of Strait of Hormuz; operational proxy forces; nuclear program intact |
| US “suffered major defeats” | Failure to achieve decisive victory; forced to negotiate on Iranian terms |
Iranian officials have consistently framed the ceasefire and subsequent negotiations as a “historic victory” for the Islamic Republic, arguing that the United States has been forced to accept Iran’s 10-point peace proposal as the basis for talks .
The US Position: Vance’s Warnings
Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the American delegation, has expressed cautious optimism while also issuing pointed warnings to the Iranian side.
“If the Iranians are willing to negotiate in good faith, we’re certainly willing to extend the open hand. If they’re going to try to play us, then they’re going to find the negotiating team is not that receptive.” — Vice President JD Vance
President Donald Trump has also weighed in, declaring that the strait will be opened “with or without” Iran’s approval and stating that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is “99 percent” of his objective .
The gap between the two sides’ public positions remains significant, suggesting that the negotiations will be difficult and potentially protracted .
What Comes Next
As the Islamabad talks continue, several key questions will determine the trajectory of the negotiations:
| Question | Significance |
|---|---|
| Can the asset dispute be resolved? | Fundamental test of good faith |
| Will the US agree to include Lebanon in a ceasefire? | Iran’s stated precondition |
| Is there compromise on nuclear enrichment? | Core issue for both sides |
| How long will talks continue? | No fixed timeframe; could last days or weeks |
President Pezeshkian’s statement sets the tone for the Iranian approach: firm on core interests, prepared for difficult negotiations, and committed to serving the Iranian people regardless of the outcome. Whether that approach leads to a breakthrough or a breakdown remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did President Pezeshkian say about Iran’s negotiating team?
Pezeshkian described the Iranian delegation as “a staunch guardian of Iran’s interests with all its might” that will “engage in negotiations with courage” .
2. What did Pezeshkian say about the Iranian people?
The president pledged that “service to the people will not pause for a moment” and that “whatever the outcome of the negotiations may be, the government stands firmly by the people’s side” .
3. Who is leading the Iranian delegation in Islamabad?
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf leads the Iranian delegation, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and four senior IRGC commanders .
4. Who is leading the US delegation?
Vice President JD Vance leads the US delegation, accompanied by Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and senior CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper .
5. What are the main issues being discussed?
Key issues include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, the release of frozen assets, US military presence in the region, and the conflict in Lebanon .
6. Has the US agreed to release Iran’s frozen assets?
No. The White House has officially denied that the United States has agreed to release any frozen Iranian assets, contradicting claims from Iranian sources .
7. How long will the talks last?
There is no fixed timeframe. Pakistani officials have indicated the negotiations could last “several days” given the complexity of the issues .
Stay informed with Reflecto News – Your trusted source for breaking diplomatic and geopolitical intelligence. Subscribe for real-time updates from the Islamabad peace talks as negotiations unfold.