Tehran: Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has revealed details of the recent negotiations with the United States in Switzerland, saying the Iranian delegation withdrew from the talks after what it described as threatening remarks by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking to Iranian media upon returning from Switzerland, Qalibaf said Tehran considered Trump’s statements regarding the Iranian president, the negotiating team and possible military action against Iran to be inconsistent with the agreed principles governing the dialogue process.
According to Qalibaf, the Iranian delegation informed US Vice President JD Vance that the negotiations were taking place under a signed understanding that ruled out threats, pressure and coercion.
“We came here for negotiations, and according to the first point of the signed memorandum, there should be no threats or pressure,” Qalibaf said.
He stated that Iranian officials told Vance that Iran would never negotiate under intimidation and that the delegation decided to leave the talks after the US president’s remarks.
Qalibaf claimed that following the Iranian withdrawal, the United States sought another meeting through mediators, but Tehran rejected the request.
He further said that mediators from Pakistan and Qatar later met with the Iranian delegation. Iran conveyed that it was willing to communicate through intermediaries but would not engage in direct talks with the American delegation under those circumstances.
According to Qalibaf, approximately 80 minutes of consultations and discussions followed, the outcome of which was reflected in the joint statement later issued by Pakistan and Qatar.
His comments provide a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the negotiations, which have attracted significant international attention amid efforts to reduce tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The remarks also underscore the role played by Pakistan and Qatar as mediators in facilitating communication between the two sides during the diplomatic process.
Despite the reported disagreement, diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a broader understanding between Iran and the United States continue through indirect channels and mediator-led engagement.