“We cannot trust America after repeated broken promises” : Iran’s statement ahead of talks

The President of the United States Donald Trump and the Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi

Islamabad (Pakistan): The United States has repeatedly broken its promises and damaged diplomatic relations. As a result, Iran does not trust the U.S., said Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a phone conversation with Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. Araghchi added that the Iranian delegation has little faith in the ongoing negotiations and emphasized that the government will fight with full strength to protect the interests and rights of the Iranian people.

1. Meanwhile, delegations from the United States and Iran have arrived in Islamabad, where discussions are scheduled to begin in the evening.

2. The U.S. delegation is being led by Vice President JD Vance, while the Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

3. After arriving in Islamabad, Ghalibaf shared a photo on Instagram showing images of 4 children, blood-stained school bags, shoes, and flowers placed on an aircraft seat.

4. On 28th February 2026, the 1st day of the war, an attack on a primary school in Minab, Iran, resulted in the deaths of 168 people, including children and school staff.

“‘America First’ is acceptable, but ‘Israel First’ is not” – Iran

Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that the outcome of the talks in Islamabad depends on the United States’ priorities. If the U.S. representatives focus on “America First” policies, a mutually beneficial agreement is possible. However, if the U.S. pursues an “Israel First” policy, no agreement will be reached. In such a scenario, Iran will intensify its self-defence efforts, which will have broader global consequences and come at a higher cost.

United States to release Iran’s assets held in Qatar and foreign banks

The United States has agreed to release Iran’s assets held in Qatar and other foreign banks. Due to U.S. sanctions, billions of dollars belonging to Iran have been frozen across several countries. Previously, funds estimated at around $6 billion were held in Qatar, and Iran was restricted from accessing them.

Key developments

1. If no peace agreement is reached, the U.S. may resume attacks on Iran. – Donald Trump, President of the United States

2. “We hope for positive outcomes from the talks, but Iran must not take advantage of the U.S.” – JD Vance, Vice President of the United States

3. Ceasefire discussions between Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to begin on 14th April 2026.