TEHRAN / ISLAMABAD — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a scathing indictment of U.S. and Israeli military actions on Saturday, March 28, 2026, declaring that the systematic targeting of Iran’s industrial core and the killing of civilians proves that Washington “cannot be trusted” as a partner for peace. In a high-stakes telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian argued that the ongoing “Infrastructure Blitz”—conducted even as diplomatic channels in Islamabad remain open—reveals a lack of genuine intent from the Trump administration.
“Building Trust is Impossible Under Fire”
During the hour-long call, which focused on Pakistan’s efforts to mediate a de-escalation, Pezeshkian articulated Tehran’s deep skepticism regarding the 15-point U.S. proposal.
- The Trust Deficit: “How can we discuss peace when the aggressors target our steel mills and power plants while simultaneously claiming to seek a diplomatic solution?” Pezeshkian reportedly told Sharif. “These actions prove that Iran cannot trust America.”
- Response to Infrastructure Strikes: Referring to the recent strikes on the Khuzestan and Mobarakeh steel complexes, the President reiterated on social media that while Iran “does not carry out preemptive attacks,” it will “retaliate strongly” against any hit on economic centers.
- The “Islamabad Channel”: While Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s “sincere” diplomatic role, he stressed that mediation cannot succeed if one side uses negotiations as a “smokescreen” for total industrial degradation.
Warning to Regional Neighbors
Pezeshkian also used his public platform to issue a stern ultimatum to Gulf nations hosting U.S. military assets, which have been used to launch the latest wave of strikes.
“To the countries of the region: If you want development and security, don’t let our enemies run the war from your lands.” — President Masoud Pezeshkian
This warning coincided with reports that the IRGC has begun identifying “legitimate targets” across the Gulf, including desalination plants and financial hubs, as part of its “reciprocal destruction” doctrine.
The Diplomatic Stalemate: Day 29
As the April 6 deadline approaches, the gap between the two sides appears to be widening rather than closing.
| Factor | Iranian Perspective (Pezeshkian) | U.S. Perspective (Vance/Trump) |
| Trust | Non-existent due to “premeditated” infrastructure hits. | “Peace through strength”; 15 points are the only path. |
| Infrastructure | Targetting civilian life; a “blatant war crime.” | Neutralizing the IRGC’s “industrial war machine.” |
| Talks | Fruitless without a “cessation of aggression.” | The clock is ticking; April 6 is a hard deadline. |
The “Pakistan Initiative”
Despite Pezeshkian’s skepticism, Prime Minister Sharif continues to push for a “viable path.” Pakistan has confirmed that the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Türkiye will meet in Islamabad on Sunday and Monday to finalize a regional framework intended to prevent the transition into “Phase 3” of the war—which would target Iran’s remaining power grid.
