New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Veena Sikri, stated on Saturday that Iran had requested US Vice-President J.D. Vance to participate in the ongoing peace negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, due to his anti-war stance. She characterized Pakistan's involvement in facilitating these discussions as "orchestrated" by the United States.

In an interview with IANS, Sikri mentioned, "Recently, US President Donald Trump declared his intention to 'obliterate Iran', and the ceasefire was reportedly established at the last moment."

She pointed out that the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran arose from significant global concerns regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, she remarked, "Iran's consistent military actions demonstrate its independence and resilience."

Current peace discussions between US and Iranian representatives are taking place in Islamabad, facilitated by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Sikri recalled that similar talks occurred in February in Muscat, mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.

"The Omani Foreign Minister had mentioned a breakthrough during those discussions, as Iran reportedly accepted all the US's conditions," the former diplomat noted.

She expressed that despite the earlier reported breakthrough, Israel launched an attack on Iran, which was supported by the US, leading her to believe that "Iran has developed a mistrust" towards them, rendering the current talks subject to skepticism.

The former diplomat emphasized that this, along with Iran's previous experiences with President Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is why Iran has insisted on US Vice-President Vance's attendance at the talks.

"In the United States, it's often said that JD Vance has consistently opposed war," Sikri remarked.

She highlighted that direct talks between Washington and Tehran have yet to commence, stating, "If these direct conversations begin soon, it may lead to some negotiation."

Citing reports from Prime Minister Sharif's initial post on X after the ceasefire announcement, she said, "Pakistan has a scripted and choreographed role, executing whatever the US requests."

She also referenced reports indicating that Iran requested the US to release its frozen assets in exchange for unhindered movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a claim later denied by Washington.

"This indicates that some form of negotiation is occurring," Sikri said.

According to her, Iran is unlikely to continue the discussions if Israel's assaults on Lebanon persist.

"There are indications that Israel opposes these talks because their desired regime change in Iran has not materialized. Israel may even intend to resume attacks on Iran," Sikri concluded.