US-Iran Islamabad Talks: "Ball is in Washington’s Court," says Ghalibaf After Marathon 21-Hour Session

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has declared that while Iran entered recent high-stakes negotiations in Pakistan with "good faith," the United States has once again failed to earn the trust of the Iranian nation ​Speaking after an intense 21-hour diplomatic marathon in Islamabad, Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran's "forward-looking initiatives" were met with a lack of credible commitment from the American side.

۱/پیش از مذاکرات تأکید کردم که ما حسن نیت و ارادهٔ لازم را داریم ولی به دلیل تجربیات دو جنگ قبلی، اعتمادی به طرف مقابل نداریم.

همکاران من در هیئت ایرانی میناب۱۶۸ ابتکارات رو به جلویی مطرح کردند ولی طرف مقابل در نهایت نتوانست در این دور از مذاکرات اعتماد هیئت ایرانی را جلب کند.

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 12, 2026

​Key Highlights from the Speaker’s Statement: ​A Legacy of Distrust: Ghalibaf cited the "experience of two previous wars" as the primary reason for Tehran’s skepticism, stating that the burden of proof now lies with Washington. ​"Minab 168" Initiatives: The Speaker lauded the Iranian delegation for proposing 168 constructive initiatives aimed at de-escalation, which the opposing side failed to capitalize on. 90 Million Souls: Highlighting national unity, Ghalibaf described Iran as a single body of 90 million people standing firm behind the "forty days of national defense" achievements. The Role of Pakistan: Iran expressed deep gratitude to its "brotherly neighbor" Pakistan for its pivotal role in facilitating the dialogue process. ​"America has understood our logic and principles," Ghalibaf stated. "Now it is time for them to decide whether they can earn our trust or not." Authority Diplomacy and Military Resolve ​Ghalibaf reaffirmed that Iran views diplomacy not as a replacement for, but as a parallel to, "military struggle." He noted that "authority diplomacy" remains a key pillar in upholding the rights of the nation, ensuring that the sacrifices made during the recent conflict are consolidated into long-term security. The Speaker concluded by thanking the Iranian people for their public displays of support and the Supreme Leader for his guidance, which he credited for the delegation’s steadfastness during the grueling negotiations.