Trump’s Threat Backfires, Iran Walks Out of Talks
Trump’s aggressive statements and threats of military action were seen by the Iranian side as against the spirit of negotiations. The Iranian delegation also refused to participate in the proposed photo session with American officials.
Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi registered a formal objection. Iran has now refused to participate in the next round of talks until a complete ceasefire is achieved in Lebanon.
Iranian delegation member Mehdi Ghorbanzadeh said, 'Until the situation in Lebanon is resolved, there will be no talks on other issues.'
Trump had earlier threatened Iran with a major attack if it did not stop funding proxy groups in Lebanon. In response, Ghalibaf warned Trump to be careful with his language and said Iran’s armed forces are ready to respond.
The first round of talks focused on ending the war, easing sanctions, and releasing frozen Iranian funds. Reports suggest that a draft for relief on Iranian oil sanctions has been finalised and the release of around $6 billion in frozen funds from Qatar is also being discussed.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said all terms of the Memorandum of Understanding are in Iran’s favour and that the country does not want a nuclear bomb.
