US-Iran direct talks hours away, first since strikes began 6 weeks ago

Direct peace talks between the United States and Iran are due to begin later in the day after the US delegation led by Vice-President J.D….

The Iranian delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived earlier in the day.

Deep mistrust continues to overshadow the talks aimed at reinforcing a fragile two-week ceasefire and ending hostilities.

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Upon arrival, Ghalibaf said Tehran came with “goodwill”, but stressed its lack of trust in the US, citing what he described as betrayals during previous negotiations and “broken promises”, according to the Tasnim news agency.

“Twice within less than a year, in the middle of negotiations, and despite the Iranian side’s good faith, they attacked us and committed numerous war crimes,” he said.

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He said Iran was prepared to accept a genuine agreement that secured its rights, but would rely on its own capabilities if the US acted deceitfully.