Tehran: Members of an Iranian delegation reportedly faced urgent security threats while returning from ceasefire negotiations with the United States in Islamabad, forcing them to change travel plans midway and take alternative routes to safely reach Tehran.
Iranian political analyst Mohammad Marandi, who accompanied the delegation, told Lebanese news outlet Al-Mayadeen that heightened security risks led officials to secretly alter their travel arrangements during their return journey.
Flight Diverted To Mashhad After Threats
According to Marandi, the delegation included senior Iranian leaders such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.
He said the group had received direct warnings that their aircraft could be targeted while travelling for negotiations in Islamabad.
“We received direct threats while en route to Islamabad that our plane might be attacked,” Marandi said.
Because of these concerns, the delegation reportedly switched planes discreetly during the return journey. Their aircraft later diverted and made an emergency landing in Mashhad, a major Iranian city.
From Mashhad, officials continued their journey to Tehran using trains, cars, and buses to avoid further risks.
Iran Signals Distrust Of US Amid Ongoing Tensions
Marandi said the incident reinforced Iran’s distrust toward Washington and highlighted ongoing tensions despite diplomatic engagement.
“We don’t trust the United States,” he told Al-Mayadeen on Tuesday, adding that Iran remains on alert as it prepares for possible further conflict.
He also said Tehran has been strengthening its military readiness even while participating in negotiations.
“Iran always knew the United States was deceitful,” Marandi said, noting that the country is bolstering its defence capabilities while continuing talks.
US And Iran May Return To Islamabad For Fresh Talks
Despite the reported security scare, diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict appear to be continuing.
According to Reuters, negotiating teams from the United States and Iran could return to Islamabad later this week to resume talks aimed at ending the conflict.
Pakistani and Iranian officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed that discussions were underway to organise a second round of negotiations.
A source involved in the talks said proposals had already been shared with both Washington and Tehran, suggesting that delegations could reconvene as early as the weekend.
No Final Date Yet, But Weekend Talks Likely
An official at the Iranian embassy in Islamabad said the next round of talks could take place either later this week or early next week, although no final schedule has been confirmed.
Earlier, a senior Iranian source indicated that Friday through Sunday remained possible windows for renewed discussions.
Pakistani officials also confirmed that Islamabad had reached out to Tehran and received a positive response regarding the possibility of hosting another round of negotiations.
Officials added that Pakistan remains in contact with both sides to finalise timing and logistical details.
First Direct US-Iran Talks In Over A Decade
Last weekend’s meeting in Islamabad marked a historic moment, as it was the first direct encounter between US and Iranian officials in more than a decade.
The talks were held just four days after the announcement of a ceasefire but ended without a breakthrough.
The meeting was also considered the most senior level of engagement between the two countries since the Iranian Revolution, underscoring the significance of the diplomatic efforts.
While progress remains uncertain, continued negotiations suggest both sides are still exploring pathways to ease tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.