Srinagar, Apr 13: The presence of a high-level, broad-based Iranian delegation at the talks with the United States was a carefully calibrated signal from Tehran, underscoring both its intent and seriousness despite deep mistrust in the Trump administration. With more than 75 political figures, seasoned diplomats, and key decision-makers in attendance, Iran projected a rare display of internal cohesion, demonstrating that all major power centers within its complex political system were aligned and fully involved in the negotiation process.
This unprecedented show of unity sent a strong message to the international community that Tehran had forged a clear consensus on engaging Washington. Iran sought to dispel doubts about its intentions and asserted that it had come not just to talk, but to negotiate and push toward a meaningful and durable agreement.
By doing so, it sought not only to create diplomatic space for a potential breakthrough but also to shape global perception, portraying itself as a responsible actor ready to engage pragmatically and finalist a meaningful deal, provided its core interests and sovereignty were respected
The Iranian delegation was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who were among the first to arrive, accompanied by the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the governor of the Central Bank. Then a large contingent of senior IRGC commanders, parliamentarians, and nuclear scientists arrived in two separate aircraft, which landed at Noor Khan Air Base late Saturday night.,when two sides were engaged in hectic talks to arrive at an agreement on ending the war
The scale and composition of this follow-up delegation reinforced the message that Tehran had mobilized its key military, political, and strategic stakeholders—underscoring that any engagement with Washington carried the backing of the very institutions central to Iran’s power structure.
In addition to a core group of nine negotiators——the delegation included twenty-six members of parliament,foreign policy makers,influential politicaiansland clergymen ,besides key members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGC).
However, the presence of Mahmoud Nabavian—a hardline parliamentarian known for his staunch opposition to negotiations with the West—has generated particular surprise.Mohammed Nabavian, a cleric affiliated with the Paydari (Steadfastness) Party, has for years denounced figures like Mohammad-Javad Zarif and the relatively moderate government of Hassan Rouhani as “traitors” for pursuing the 2015 nuclear deal, His inclusion in the delegation appears to be interpreted as a calculated move by Ghalibaf.
By bringing a vocal critic of negotiations into the process the Speaker wanted him to share responsibility for the outcome of the negotiations. Other radical conservatives, including Saeed Jalili , have consistently opposed any engagement with the United States remained silent this time.
Iran’s new supreme leader in a written message marking the fortieth day after his father’s death, referred to the “announcement of the decision to negotiate with the enemy” and called for public mobilization to influence the outcome, remarks that many interpret as implicit approval of the negotiation process.
He also referred verses from Surah Al-Fath , alluding to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah—a peace agreement between Prophet Muhammad and his adversaries in Mecca. In Islamic tradition, this treaty is seen as a strategic move that reduced conflict and ultimately strengthened Muslims despite their weaker position at the time.
Such symbolic references carry strong weight among the Islamic Republic’s ideological base.
On the U.S. side, Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Andrew Baker (Deputy National Security Advisor), and Michael Vance (Special Advisor to the Vice President for Asian Affairs) attended the talks, which failed to break the ice.
