Former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif has said it is not too late for the United States to recognise that it cannot dictate conditions to Iran, following reports that recent peace efforts facilitated by Pakistan failed to produce progress.
Zarif made the remark in a post on X on Sunday, stating that negotiations would not succeed if based on unilateral demands. “No negotiations – at least with Iran – will be successful based on ‘our/your terms.’ The United States must understand: you cannot dictate terms to Iran. It is not too late to learn this lesson. Yet,” he wrote.
The comments came after both sides acknowledged that the Pakistan-initiated talks aimed at easing tensions linked to the Gulf situation ended without agreement, underscoring continuing diplomatic deadlock.
Zarif served as Iran’s foreign minister between 2013 and 2021 under former president Hassan Rouhani and was a central figure in negotiations that produced the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers during the administration of former U.S. president Barack Obama.
The deal later collapsed after former U.S. president Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the accord in 2018, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, held discussions with the Sultan of Oman, during which both leaders called on all parties to avoid further escalation linked to the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
According to Downing Street, the leaders reviewed the outcome of the Pakistan-hosted talks and stressed the importance of sustaining the ceasefire while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
They also discussed developments around the Strait of Hormuz, with the British prime minister thanking Oman for assisting sailors from distressed vessels in the region and supporting efforts to maintain maritime safety.
Starmer further noted that following coordination meetings involving the UK Foreign Secretary and military planners, international partners were continuing work to ensure long-term freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway.
