- Iranian president says previous talks were followed by attacks and sanctions, while Qatar and Pakistan continue to relay messages between Tehran and Washington
TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran no longer trusts negotiations with the United States, arguing that previous rounds of dialogue were followed by military attacks and the imposition of sanctions.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian said Iran remains uncertain about how a meaningful understanding with Washington could be reached in the absence of mutual trust.
“We have no trust in the American side and do not know on what basis an understanding can be reached with it,” the Qatar-based broadcaster quoted Pezeshkian as saying.
The Iranian president said Qatar and Pakistan are continuing to serve as intermediaries, conveying messages between Tehran and Washington as efforts to maintain communication continue.
Pezeshkian also stressed that the current discussions are based on a memorandum of understanding reached between Iran and the United States in June. He said Washington must clarify its position regarding that understanding before further progress can be made.
His remarks underline the significant obstacles facing any renewed diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States, particularly over questions of trust, previous military action and sanctions.
BY: The Times Union
