Iran’s Araghchi to US’s Vance: “How can we trust you?”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi raised doubts about trust in negotiations with the United States during marathon talks in Islamabad.

“How can we trust you when, in the last Geneva meeting, you ⁠said the U.S. would not attack while diplomacy was under way?” the Iranian foreign minister asked during the the talked which ended on April 11 without agreement, officials and sources familiar with the talks told Reuters. 

Multiple sources said the dialogue at times appeared close to producing a framework understanding, but ultimately broke down over key issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz, and Tehran’s demand for access to frozen assets.

Iranian sources said the most substantive exchanges in Islamabad took place between Vance, Araghchi, and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. A security source described the negotiations as uneven.

“There were ups and downs. There were tense moments. People left the room, and then came back,” the source said.

According to two Iranian sources, Araghchi’s tone sharpened when discussions turned to guarantees, including non-aggression assurances and sanctions relief.

Tensions also surfaced over the scope of a potential agreement. While Washington focused on nuclear issues and maritime security in the Gulf, Tehran pushed for a broader framework, sources said.

The latest round followed earlier discussions in Geneva. 

By Sabina Mammadli