An Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Saturday, April 11, 2026, for high-level negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the Middle East conflict that has lasted 40 days.
Iran’s Chief Negotiator: ‘We Have Bad Experiences’
Upon arrival at Islamabad airport, Ghalibaf told reporters that Iran has had bad experiences from previous negotiations with the United States.
“Twice in less than a year, in the middle of negotiations and despite the good faith of the Iranian side, they attacked us and committed numerous war crimes,” Ghalibaf said, as reported by Tasnim news agency.
The Parliament Speaker emphasized that Tehran is ready for an agreement if the American side shows sincere intent and guarantees the rights of the Iranian people.
Ghalibaf warned that if Washington attempts to use the negotiations as a “show and deception,” Iran will defend its rights relying on its own capabilities. He noted that Iran’s recent defensive and retaliatory attacks during what he called the “last aggression” demonstrated the country’s willingness to protect its national interests and sovereignty.
US-Iran Talks in Islamabad
Ghalibaf leads the Iranian negotiation team alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The talks are part of ongoing efforts to reach a durable ceasefire after two weeks of cessation of hostilities between the United States and Iran.
Pakistan has been serving as a mediator in the talks, with the Iranian 10-point peace plan forming the basis of discussions.
Who is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf?
Ghalibaf, who holds a doctorate in political geography from Tarbiat Modares University, became known internationally in recent weeks for his open posts on X (Twitter), often laced with ironic humor.
His social media posts have ranged from appealing to the American public, “skipping meals because fuel prices keep rising,” to mimicking the unique posts of US President Donald Trump on TruthSocial to highlight that the United States puts “Israel first.”
As mayor of Tehran from 2005 to 2017, Ghalibaf showed openness to international engagement. He attended events such as the World Economic Forum and told The Times of London: “I would like the West to change its attitude towards Iran and trust it, and be assured that in Iran there is an attitude that issues should be advanced through dialogue.”
Ghalibaf ran for president four times: 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2024. WikiLeaks released dispatches showing American diplomats believed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei supported Ghalibaf’s presidential candidacy. However, his election runs were unsuccessful.
He also served as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) air force from 1997 to 2000.
Sources: Tasnim, BBC, AP News, CBS News via b92.net
