Iran MP quotes Ghalibaf: Pakistan talks authorized by Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei
Iranian MP and National Security and Foreign Policy Committee member Mojtaba Zarei has revealed behind-the-scenes details of the Islamabad negotiations, stressing that “the foundation of the talks was based on the authorization of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution,” and that “legally and religiously, no negotiations take place without his approval.”
In a post on X, Zarei recounted the substance of a two-hour meeting held Saturday with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian negotiating team in Islamabad.
According to Zarei’s account of what Ghalibaf told him, the substance of the negotiations remained strictly within frameworks defined by Sayyed Khamenei. When the US side attempted to enter into technical discussions on nuclear issues, the delegation informed them it had been expressly prohibited by the Leader from engaging in such matters.
Ghalibaf also revealed that, out of respect for that directive, he personally prevented the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran from joining the negotiating team prior to departure for Islamabad.
Hezbollah a core condition
On Lebanon, Zarei stated that protecting Hezbollah and the Lebanese people was a core condition for any ceasefire phase.
He added that President Masoud Pezeshkian had affirmed in official meetings that Tehran categorically rejects any proposals to decouple Hezbollah from the Iranian file, dismissing such moves as dishonorable and unjust.
Separately, Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s news agency, told Al Mayadeen on Saturday that “as long as a maritime blockade remains in place, there will be no negotiations on the nuclear file whatsoever.”
The statements come as Iran has submitted a 14-point proposal through Pakistani mediation outlining its terms for a comprehensive end to the war, in response to a nine-point American proposal.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharib Abadi confirmed the submission, stating the ball is now in Washington’s court, while reiterating Tehran’s persistent “pessimism and lack of trust” toward US intentions in any diplomatic process.
