ISTANBUL

Iranian officials expressed deep suspicion regarding a US invitation for peace talks in Pakistan, citing a history of military strikes occurring alongside diplomatic efforts, according to an Axios report.

"We don't want to be fooled again," Iranian officials said and relayed these concerns to mediators, including Türkiye, Pakistan and Egypt, ahead of proposed meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Tehran remains wary after US-backed strikes previously coincided with scheduled negotiations in June and February.

Bombing diplomacy

To signal sincerity, the White House suggested the involvement of US Vice President JD Vance, whom Tehran reportedly views as less of a hawk.

Despite the diplomatic outreach, the US continues to escalate the military posture in the region. The Pentagon has not altered orders for military operations. The command element of the 82nd Airborne Division is currently deploying to the Middle East with an infantry brigade. “We negotiate with bombs,” US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Tuesday.

A Trump adviser explained the strategy by stating that US President Donald Trump has one hand open for a deal while the other remains a fist ready to strike.

A White House official said that while Tehran focuses on halting the bombardment through a ceasefire, Washington intends to see if the Iranians will grant concessions they previously withheld.

The region has been shaken since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing more than 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.