Summary of Mohammad Hossein Bagheri’s remarks, Director of the Iqbal forum , in an interview with Asia One News

🔹 Analysis of the Islamabad peace talks (Iran–U.S.) / overall assessment and chances of success

Bagheri believes that every war ultimately ends at the negotiating table. He described Pakistan’s initiative to open a dialogue channel between Iran and the United States as highly valuable. However, he noted that the Iranian delegation entered this round of talks with complete distrust due to the United States’ history of breaking promises.

🔹 Key challenges in the negotiations

He identified two major obstacles to reaching an agreement:

• Gap in demands: A deep contradiction exists between the two sides’ expectations, particularly on nuclear and missile issues, which directly conflict with Iran’s fundamental positions.
• Destructive role of Israel: Bagheri described Israel as the biggest threat to these talks, arguing that it uses every tool to derail diplomacy and push the region back into conflict.

🔹 Pakistan’s strategic role

According to this analyst, if any country other than Pakistan had taken the initiative, Iran likely would not have accepted. He considers Pakistan the only capable mediator in this case due to its constructive relations with Tehran, Washington, Riyadh, and Beijing, and emphasized that Pakistan holds a special place in the hearts of Iran’s people and leadership.

🔹 Iran’s red lines and concessions

He described Iran as a rational actor willing to cooperate if its rights are respected:

• Iran has no issue with measures that guarantee it is not seeking nuclear weapons, as it fundamentally has no such intention.
• However, Iran will make no concessions regarding its missile defense capabilities, national security, or independence, which are non-negotiable.

🔹 Consequences of success or failure

• Success of diplomacy: Would establish Iran as an emerging power defending its rights, and Pakistan as a globally credible mediator.
• Failure of talks: Bagheri warned of the risk of a regional catastrophe, chaos, and widespread bloodshed.

🔹 Bilateral economic opportunities

He highlighted major economic opportunities, stating that the ports of Karachi and Gwadar could replace Gulf ports for Iran’s cargo transit. He also said successful negotiations could remove political barriers to a gas pipeline project between the two countries.

🔻 Conclusion: In Bagheri’s view, Pakistan has already won politically by bringing two long-standing rivals to the negotiating table.