Why have U.S.–Iran negotiations been halted?
Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, head of the Iqbal Forum and an expert in international relations, explained in an interview with Global Times Pakistan the reasons behind the cancellation of Tehran–Washington negotiations in Pakistan. Turning away from the negotiation table; why did...
Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, head of the Iqbal Forum and an expert in international relations, explained in an interview with Global Times Pakistan the reasons behind the cancellation of Tehran–Washington negotiations in Pakistan.
Turning away from the negotiation table; why did Iranian officials not travel to Pakistan?
Bagheri stated that, contrary to Western media claims, the cancellation of the talks was due to three key events:
- Strike on a cargo ship: A U.S. attack on an Iranian commercial vessel just before the talks.
- Deployment of 60,000 troops: The simultaneous arrival of 60,000 U.S. forces in the region — “Negotiations under the shadow of weapons are meaningless!”
- Violation of the Lebanon ceasefire: Continued attacks on southern Lebanon despite initial agreements.
Iran’s missile stockpiles replenished again!
Bagheri stated: “During this short ceasefire, 70% of Iran’s missile and drone reserves have been rebuilt, and factories are operating in three shifts. The U.S. should know that today’s Iran is prepared even for a 100-year war!”
The Strait of Hormuz; a winning card that will not be returned
He compared the strategic power of the Strait of Hormuz to a nuclear weapon, emphasizing that Iran will never return to the “pre-war” situation.
Charging transit fees and controlling passage through the Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s legal right and is non-negotiable.
A surprising reality inside Iran: not even one hour of power outage!
While foreign media speak of infrastructure collapse, Bagheri said:
During 55 days of war, not even a single hour of blackout occurred anywhere in Iran.
Iran’s strategic reserves of oil and fuel are sufficient for months, and its power grid, due to wide distribution, is practically indestructible.
A message to the Pakistani government
“A mediator should not make demands only from Iran!” With this statement, Bagheri told Pakistan that if it cannot influence the U.S., its mediating role has effectively come to an end.
Final analysis:
It appears that Tehran has shifted its strategy from “strategic patience” to “active strength,” and is no longer willing to return to negotiations without tangible gains.