Iranian officials expressed suspicion that U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposals for face-to-face peace talks are “another trick.” The U.S. plans to hold a meeting on Thursday in Pakistan to discuss ending the conflict, Iran’s nuclear program, and sanctions.
Axios reported this, citing sources directly involved in the negotiations, as well as officials from the White House and U.S. and Israeli authorities.
Details
The U.S. shared a 15-point plan with Iran covering the cessation of hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting sanctions, and guarantees regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. The plan is set to be discussed in a face-to-face meeting in Islamabad.
However, Iranian representatives told mediators – Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey – that the deployment of U.S. troops and reinforcements in the region increased their doubts about Trump’s sincerity. The reinforcements are expected to include fighter squadrons, Marines, and an airborne unit.
Previous rounds of U.S.-Iran talks coincided with military actions. In June last year, Israel, with U.S. support, struck Iran ahead of planned negotiations. Three weeks ago, a preliminary agreement in Geneva was reached just two days before new attacks.
The White House signaled the seriousness of Trump’s intentions by involving Vice President J.D. Vance, ensuring the Iranians saw that the talks included “the right people.”
Context
Earlier negotiations between the U.S. and Iran repeatedly ended in disagreements and military strikes, increasing Iranian distrust.
Ahead of the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, Trump and his advisors underestimated the risks for energy markets. They viewed a possible blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the suspension of commercial shipping as a short-term issue that would not hinder the military operation.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that six countries – the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan – announced their readiness to help ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
