US Must Respect Iran Rights to End Standoff: President Says

TEHRAN – President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has thrown down the gauntlet to the United States, insisting that true diplomacy requires ending unilateral dominance and honoring Iranian sovereignty.

In twin posts on X, he asserted, ‘Paths to agreement exist if the US drops its dictatorial behavior and respects our people’s rights.’ He simultaneously lauded negotiator Ghalibaf: ‘Kudos to the team, especially brother Dr. Ghalibaf—may God empower you.’

These words landed hours after fruitless Islamabad talks on April 13. Vance’s US team and Ghalibaf’s Iranian delegation debated intensely, but parted without accord. Vance called it a detailed but deadlocked session, claiming greater pain for Tehran.

Ghalibaf, undeterred, proclaimed US shortcomings on social media. Referencing two prior wars, he said Iran’s good faith met skepticism. ‘I stated our willingness upfront, but opponents failed to gain our trust in these talks,’ he noted.

The context is grim: Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ lingers, fueling Iran’s uranium enrichment to near-weapons grade. Pezeshkian’s reformist bent promised outreach, yet hardliners watch warily. Failed diplomacy risks broader conflict, involving Israel and Gulf states.

Experts see this as calibrated signaling—Tehran projects strength while leaving the door ajar. Washington’s response will test Biden-era strategies amid election-year politics. A deal could unlock frozen assets and ease oil markets; stalemate invites more centrifuges spinning.