Iran says Pakistan talks approved by Supreme Leader

Iran’s Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad said that talks held in Pakistan between Iran and the United States were conducted with the direct approval of the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader, pushing back against claims of internal divisions in Tehran’s decision-making structure.

Nikzad stated that the US side opened the negotiations by presenting demands that included a 20-year halt to Iran’s nuclear activities and the handover of enriched uranium. He said these demands were “firmly rejected” by the Islamic Republic.

His remarks came after Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip to Pakistan by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Trump cited internal discord within Iran’s leadership, saying there was “tremendous infighting and confusion” and that “nobody knows who is in charge.”

The Pakistan channel of negotiations has also been complicated by disagreements over sequencing. Washington has pushed for nuclear-related concessions, including a long-term halt to uranium enrichment, while Tehran has argued that priority should be given to ending the war and addressing maritime security issues, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, before moving on to broader negotiations.

By Tamilla Hasanova