Iran Entered Talks with Seriousness, Outcome Depends on US Approach: Pezeshkian

According to Iranian state media Press TV, Pezeshkian made the remarks during a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron

Iran president Masoud Pezeshkian

Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday said that Iran has entered ongoing negotiations with the United States in Islamabad with “determination and seriousness,” adding that the outcome will ultimately depend on Washington’s approach.

According to Iranian state media Press TV, Pezeshkian made the remarks during a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, where the two leaders discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts in West Asia.

During the call, Pezeshkian described the killing of hundreds of Lebanese civilians by what he termed the “Zionist regime” as a clear example of a war crime, calling it a major source of regional tension.

He reiterated that Iran is approaching the Islamabad talks with diligence, but stressed that their success depends on the United States’ position. Macron, as reported by Press TV, welcomed the ceasefire and emphasised the need to immediately halt Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

In response, Pezeshkian called for coordinated international pressure on both Israel and the United States to stop what he described as continued aggression.

Press TV further reported that Macron stated France has consistently condemned the conflict and expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.

In a post on X, Macron said he had urged Pezeshkian to use the Islamabad talks as an opportunity to achieve a “sustainable reduction in tensions” and work toward a “precise and binding agreement” involving all stakeholders to ensure regional security.

Macron also emphasised the need for Iran to restore freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to fully respect the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, while reiterating France’s support for Lebanese authorities.

Meanwhile, Iran-US talks have been extended for another day after around 15 hours of discussions, with both sides continuing negotiations despite ongoing differences. Technical teams are reportedly exchanging draft texts, according to Press TV.

In a statement on X, the Iranian government said negotiations would continue despite unresolved disagreements, adding that talks mediated by Pakistan would resume after a pause on Sunday.

Iranian officials began negotiations on Saturday afternoon in Islamabad, first meeting Pakistani officials before engaging with the US delegation. The discussions lasted over 15 hours, concluding early Sunday morning, highlighting the intensity of the diplomatic engagement.

The first phase of in-person talks between the United States and Iran concluded late Saturday night, marking a significant step in efforts to de-escalate tensions. Both sides exchanged written texts to document areas of understanding reached during the discussions.

The talks follow an earlier round of discussions and are being viewed as a key diplomatic effort to reduce tensions and explore possibilities for a structured agreement between the United States and Iran. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the latest round extended into late-night deliberations, reflecting the urgency and sensitivity of the negotiations, with senior representatives from both sides present in Islamabad.

( Source : ANI )