Iranian delegation felt 'threatened', changed travel plans after talks

A member of Iran’s delegation to talks with the US in Pakistan said the team felt seriously threatened while returning to Tehran, claiming their plane diverted to Mashhad before members traveled onward by train, car and bus.

In an interview with Al-Mayadeen English, Mohammad Marandi said the talks ended abruptly after what he described as an intervention by US Vice President JD Vance.

Marandi said the delegation’s aircraft diverted unexpectedly and made an emergency landing in the northeastern city of Mashhad. Members of the delegation then continued their journey to Tehran by train, car and bus.

Marandi claimed the Iranian team believed they faced a serious threat during their return journey, though he did not provide details about the source of the alleged danger.

Despite the concerns, he said the delegation remained determined to return home and refused to stay in Pakistan following the breakdown of the talks.