Iran's Parliament Speaker Highlights Minab Attack Victims on Flight to Islamabad for US Negotiations
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Key Takeaways
Tehran, April 11 (NationPress) A poignant scene unfolded aboard an aircraft transporting Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Ghalibaf, to Islamabad, as he displayed the images of children who perished in the Minab school attack. These portraits were placed on empty seats alongside backpacks and blooming roses.
During the flight, Ghalibaf seized the opportunity to convey a powerful visual message. The aircraft's interior featured several vacant seats, each adorned with photographs and personal items belonging to the victims of the Minab school assault, predominantly children, who lost their lives in what Iran labels a US-Israeli attack.
He shared the striking image on X, stating, "My companions on this journey, Minab 168," referring to the children and staff who tragically lost their lives in the February 28, 2026 attack on an elementary school in Minab.
This tragic event reportedly resulted in at least 165 fatalities and over 100 injuries, becoming a pivotal element in Iran's narrative leading up to the negotiations, influencing its message on the international stage.
Upon reaching Islamabad, Ghalibaf expressed a cautious perspective, declaring that Iran is entering the discussions with "good intentions but no trust," as reported by Tasnim News Agency.
He highlighted that previous negotiations have consistently fallen short of producing enduring results.
"Regrettably, our experiences in negotiating with the Americans have always ended in disappointment and breaches of contract," he remarked, noting that Iran has faced actions deemed as violations of earlier agreements during past negotiations.
Clarifying Tehran's stance, Ghalibaf asserted that any potential agreement hinges on the approach adopted by the United States.
"In the forthcoming discussions, if the American side is prepared to forge a genuine agreement and acknowledge the rights of the Iranian people, they will encounter our willingness to reach an accord as well," he stated.
He further warned against what he termed as insincerity in diplomatic efforts, asserting that Iran would respond decisively if negotiations were perceived as mere pretexts for actions lacking genuine commitment.
From the American perspective, J.D. Vance indicated a readiness for dialogue prior to his departure for Islamabad, provided it is approached with sincerity.
"If the Iranians are inclined to negotiate in good faith, we are certainly willing to extend an open hand," he remarked, while also cautioning, "If they're looking to manipulate us, they will find that the negotiation team is not easily swayed."
US President Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation through social media, suggesting that Iran might be overestimating its leverage before the talks, referencing ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as part of the broader geopolitical landscape.