Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei announced on April 15 that negotiations continue indirectly with the United States through third countries, including China, even after the initial comprehensive talks held recently in Tehran.
Ongoing Message Exchanges via Pakistan
Baghaei stated that Iran’s delegation has maintained sequential messaging with the US through Pakistan since returning from Islamabad. “We expect to host a senior Pakistani delegation in Tehran soon,” he added. “This visit will allow in-depth discussions on our positions shared with the US and detailed assessments from both sides.”
Both nations acknowledge the need for dialogue, paving the way for talks to resume on April 16.
Uncertain Next Round and Nuclear Stance
However, the spokesman noted that dates for a second direct meeting remain unconfirmed, and any extension of current envoy exchanges lacks finality. Iran maintains it made substantial concessions on nuclear matters during the first round.
“Pursuing peaceful nuclear energy is Iran’s right, not a threat,” Baghaei emphasized. “To safeguard it amid full commercial engagement and avoid subjugation, defensive capabilities are essential.” He further asserted, “As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran holds the legal right to uranium enrichment.”
Response to Trump’s ‘Grand Bargain’
Addressing President Trump’s push for a ‘grand bargain’—economic incentives in exchange for abandoning nuclear ambitions—Baghaei dismissed it outright. “Iran’s threats are self-inflated illusions,” he countered. “Those who thrust Iran back to the Stone Age months ago and demolished its facilities now speak of boundary shifts—this defies logic.”
US Vice President JD Vance, after meeting nuclear deal stakeholders on April 14, remarked that Trump seeks to compel regime change in Iran by pressuring nuclear possession. He reframed US-Israel coordination from ‘narrow cooperation’ to ‘comprehensive alliance.’
Vigilance Against US-Israel Ties
Baghaei described US-Israel discussions as a mere ‘threat assessment’ publicity stunt, fueling heightened alertness. “Preparations stand firm against any covert moves by the US and the Zionist regime,” he declared.
Separately, Iranian forces warned of potential US blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling readiness to disrupt diesel blending operations. Analysts view this as leverage to strengthen bargaining ahead of renewed talks.
