Irans authorities signal continued hardline approach in upcoming negotiations

Tehran Officials Meet with Pakistani Officials Amid Stalled Nuclear Talks

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met senior Pakistani officials in Islamabad on Saturday, before traveling to Oman and then Russia. The meeting was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the nuclear issue between Iran and the United States.

Araghchi stated that he had yet to see if the US is genuinely committed to diplomacy. This comes after a scheduled visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which was cancelled by President Donald Trump earlier this week.

Trump claimed that the US has all the necessary information and that Iran’s leadership is divided, stating “if they want to talk, all they have to do is call!!!”. The US president also stated that he was not in a rush to reach an agreement with Iranian leaders.

In response to Trump’s comments, Iranian authorities have released statements emphasizing unity among the country’s leadership. State media has circulated messages claiming that everyone in Iran is “revolutionary” and exercises “complete obedience” to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also issued a statement, warning that armed forces would retaliate against the US if it continues its blockade and piracy in Iran’s southern waters. The IRGC claimed that they are prepared to monitor the behavior of enemies in the region and maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian authorities have called on supporters, including paramilitary forces, to take to the streets every night to maintain control. A rally in downtown Tehran on Friday night featured a prominent state-backed religious singer who emphasized the importance of unity among Iranians during times of war.

Source: Al Jazeera