Shia Board Leader: Iran-US Deal Only on "Equal Terms" After Failed Talks

Maulana Yasoob Abbas of the All India Shia Personal Law Board stated that Iran would only accept an agreement with the United States based on complete equality, rejecting any unilateral conditions. He alleged that the US had engaged in a strategic game, applying pressure while seeking talks, but claimed Iran's strategic position and sovereignty remain unbroken. The talks in Islamabad concluded without a deal, with US Vice President JD Vance calling the stalemate "bad news for Iran." Another Indian Muslim leader expressed concern over the failure, urging international bodies to facilitate renewed dialogue.

Key Points: Shia Board Reacts to Failed Iran-US Talks in Islamabad

  • Iran insists on equality in any future deal
  • Abbas alleges US used geopolitical pressure
  • Iran claims control over Strait of Hormuz
  • US VP says no agreement reached
  • Muslim board urges UN, OIC intervention
3 min read

"Any agreement will be on equal terms": General Secretary of Shia Personal Law Board reacts to failed Iran-US talks in Islamabad

Maulana Yasoob Abbas says Iran will accept no deal without equal terms after US talks fail. Get key quotes and reactions on the stalemate.

"s and reactions on the stalemate.QUOTE: Any agreement will be on equal terms, or there will be no agreement at all. - Maulana Yasoob Abbas"

Lucknow, April 12

Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of All India Shia Personal Law Board leader, on Sunday reacted to the failure of talks between Iran and the United States held in Islamabad, which ended without any agreement even after 21 hours of negotiations.

Speaking to ANI, Abbas said that the deal must be on equal terms.

"Any agreement will be on equal terms, or there will be no agreement at all," he said. .He said Iran would not accept any unilateral conditions and insisted that any future agreement must be based on equality between both sides."Regarding the conditions, they won't be set by America; they will be set by Iran. Any agreement will be on equal terms, or there will be no agreement at all," Abbas said.

He alleged that Iran was deliberately pressured through geopolitical strategies, but claimed the country remained firm despite years of conflict and sanctions."They were out to destroy Iran's civilisation, and then they came to the table for talks. This was all a game. America stopped the war only to increase its military strength," he said.

Abbas further said Iran had consistently withstood external pressure and would not compromise on sovereignty or self-respect under any circumstances."Iran is ready for every attack. Iran has neither bent nor broken," he said, adding that sacrifices made in past conflicts had not weakened the country.

"No compromise will be made if it involves surrendering to America or compromising self-respect," Abbas added.

Reacting to claims that the United States had "already won," he questioned Washington's participation in the talks. "If America had won, why is it sitting at the table in Islamabad?" he said, adding that ongoing diplomatic engagement reflected the continuing relevance of negotiations.

Abbas further claimed that Iran's strategic position, including control over key maritime routes, remained strong and that the country had not weakened despite long-standing international pressure.

He added, "As for the Strait of Hormuz, America doesn't control it. It's completely under Iran's control and within its territorial waters. So, whatever happens in the Strait of Hormuz will be according to Iran's wishes, not America's."

Meanwhile, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali also expressed concern over the failure of the talks, saying the breakdown was "a matter of concern" for global peace.

He urged international organisations, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to intervene and facilitate renewed dialogue between the two sides.

Meanwhile, after hours of negotiations in Pakistan between the US and Iran, talks have reached a stalemate on Sunday as US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement has been reached in talks with Iran. He said that while they would be returning to the US, the development is "bad news for Iran" more than it is for the United States.

Addressing reporters from Islamabad, Vance said, "We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the need for sovereign equality, I'm not sure an Indian religious board's secretary commenting on complex Iran-US geopolitics adds much value. Our focus should be on issues closer to home. Just my respectful two cents.
R
Rohit P
The Strait of Hormuz point is key! It shows real strategic leverage. India's energy security is deeply linked to that region. Stability there is in our national interest. Hope dialogue resumes soon.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the reaction from Lucknow. The geopolitical ripples of this failed talk will be felt worldwide. Vance's "bad news for Iran" comment sounds like classic pressure tactics. The stalemate continues.
V
Vikram M
21 hours of talks and no result! Pakistan as the host, Indian leaders commenting... shows how interconnected South Asia is with Middle Eastern stability. We need diplomacy, not more tension. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
Maulana Firangi Mahali is right to call for UN/OIC intervention. When two giants clash, the whole world feels the heat. As an Indian, I worry about oil prices and our diaspora in the Gulf if things escalate.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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