‘My Companions’: Iran Speaker Carries Minab Victims’ Images On Flight To Islamabad For US Talks

Last Updated:April 11, 2026, 08:46 IST

The attack, which reportedly killed at least 165 people and injured dozens more, has emerged as a key reference point in Iran’s messaging ahead of the negotiations.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf shared a photograph from his flight to Islamabad, where Iranian and US delegations are set to hold talks aimed at easing tensions following weeks of conflict.

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The image, posted on social media, shows empty seats around Ghalibaf filled with photographs of children who were killed when a missile struck a girls’ school in Minab. Captioning the image, he wrote: “My companions on this flight."

The post appeared to reference an attack that Iran has blamed on the United States during the recent escalation, an incident Washington has sought to distance itself from.

The attack, which reportedly killed at least 165 people and injured dozens more, has emerged as a key reference point in Iran’s messaging ahead of the negotiations.

Ghalibaf’s gesture comes as both sides prepare for what are expected to be crucial negotiations in Islamabad, with discussions likely to focus on Iran’s nuclear programme, maritime security and broader efforts to end the conflict.

The Iranian speaker’s post signals how Tehran may frame the talks, highlighting civilian casualties from the war while pressing its case before the international community as diplomatic efforts get underway.

Upon arrival at the Islamabad airport, Qalibaf, who is leading Iran’s delegation, spoke to the reporters, pointing out the past experiences with Washington. He underlined Tehran’s deep distrust of the United States, saying Iran has “goodwill but no trust" in Washington.

“Twice within less than a year, in the middle of negotiations, and despite the Iranian side’s good faith, they attacked us and committed numerous war crimes," he added.

“We have goodwill, but we do not have trust (in Americans)," he said.

He warned that Tehran would rely on its own capabilities to secure its interests if Washington treats the negotiations as a “show" or a “deception operation."

Ceasefire Talks

The talks in Islamabad mark the first direct high-level engagement between Washington and Tehran since a fragile ceasefire was announced earlier this week.

Iran’s delegation is led by Ghalibaf alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. On the US side, Vice President JD Vance is joined by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner, who are representing the White House in the talks.

Discussions are expected to centre on Iran’s nuclear programme, the lifting of the Strait blockade, and the broader framework for ending a war that has killed thousands and rattled global markets since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28.

News world ‘My Companions’: Iran Speaker Carries Minab Victims’ Images On Flight To Islamabad For US Talks

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