TEHRAN, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir on Saturday discussed the latest developments in efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
During a meeting in Tehran, Qalibaf highlighted Pakistan's role in facilitating contacts between Tehran and Washington, saying Iran would not abandon its rights and those of its people.
He said the United States "lacks sincerity" and that Iran does not trust it, adding that Tehran would continue to pursue its interests "with intelligence and power" in diplomacy, as it had "with courage and strength" on the battlefield.
Qalibaf accused Washington of "crimes" and damage during the war, saying Iran had been engaged in talks with the United States when the conflict began. He also said Washington violated a ceasefire reached on April 8 by imposing a naval blockade that restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and now sought to lift it.
He added that Iran's armed forces had rebuilt during the ceasefire period and warned that any renewed "foolishness" by Washington would be met with a response "more crushing and bitter" than at the start of the war on Feb. 28.
Munir, according to Fars, conveyed greetings and well-wishes from Pakistan's government and people, saying Iran was led by "smart individuals" with "great insight."
The Pakistani army chief arrived in Tehran on Friday as part of mediation efforts aimed at ending the conflict and facilitating message exchanges between Tehran and Washington. He also had meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during his visit.
Following the truce, Iranian and U.S. delegations held a round of talks in Islamabad on April 11-12 that ended without agreement, Fars reported. It added that the two sides have since exchanged several proposals via Pakistani mediation, outlining possible terms for ending the conflict. ■
