Iranian delegation feared US would kill them following failed talks, took extreme security measures

A series of unusual steps were taken by the Iranian delegation as it departed Pakistan, citing concerns about safety.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The Iranian delegation to Islamabad claimed it faced security threats following the abrupt end of negotiations, Hezbollah-affiliated media outlet Al-Mayadeen reported.

Professor Mohammad Marandi, who accompanied the delegation, said talks ended suddenly when Vance broke them off. He described a series of unusual steps taken by the delegation as it departed Pakistan, citing concerns about safety.

London-based anti-regime outlet Iran International has described Marandi as the regime’s “government mouthpiece,” who had a close relationship with former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“So I don’t want to go into great detail, but the Iranians on the way back, they changed their plane. They secretly got into a different plane,” Marandi said. He added that the aircraft later altered its route mid-flight and made a rapid landing in Mashhad.

From there, the group continued overland. “And then we all came to Tehran by train, by car, and by bus,” he said.

Marandi said the changes in travel reflected a perceived threat environment. “The Iranians definitely felt threatened,” he said, while emphasizing that all members of the delegation chose to proceed together despite the risks.

“To the credit of all the members of the delegation, everyone boarded the plane. No one wanted to stay in Pakistan, and everyone was willing to take the risk,” he said.

He compared the delegation’s actions to those of civilians during periods of tension, saying people “on the streets…took the risks and they remained steadfast.”

He said the group remained composed throughout the journey. “The delegation was very steadfast, and everyone was in very high spirits on the flight,” he said.

Marandi also expressed distrust toward the United States. “We don’t trust the United States,” he told Al-Mayadeen on Tuesday, “and we are also very busy preparing ourselves for the next round of war.”