US-Iran talks: Iranian delegation alters return route from Pakistan over assassination threat as intelligence reports flag risk

An Iranian delegation en route to Pakistan for talks with the US changed its return journey following a suspected assassination threat, member Mohammad Marandi said, calling the step a precaution amid heightened tensions. Earlier reports said the team used three aircraft, including two decoys, during the trip to Pakistan, reports TOI.

Speaking to Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen, Marandi said the delegation’s aircraft was rerouted mid-journey and landed in Mashhad instead of continuing on its original path from Islamabad. From there, the team travelled onward to Tehran by train, car and bus following the security alert.

“We received direct threats and credible intelligence indicating that the Iranian delegation’s plane to Islamabad could be attacked,” Marandi said, adding that the return journey was immediately revised after the warning. “The plane changed its route, landed in Mashhad, and the delegation was transferred by train and vehicles to Tehran.”


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He linked the development to broader diplomatic tensions, saying, “Negotiations ended very abruptly… and that it was simultaneous with the opinion piece in the Washington Post,” which he described as being “very close to the CIA.”

Despite the perceived risk, Marandi said the delegation chose to proceed with travel plans. “So the Iranians definitely felt threatened… everyone boarded the plane. No one wanted to stay in Pakistan and everyone was willing to take the risk,” he said, adding that members remained “steadfast” and in “high spirits.”

Separately, Donald Trump said talks aimed at ending the conflict with Iran could resume in Pakistan within two days after weekend negotiations collapsed. “You should stay there...because something could be happening over the next two days, and we are more inclined to go there,” he told the New York Post.

Two US officials also indicated that discussions were ongoing over a possible new round of talks, while a diplomat from a mediating country said both sides had agreed in principle to resume negotiations, according to reports.

First round of US-Iran talks collapsed

Washington and Tehran saw their negotiations collapse after recent talks, but both sides are expected to resume discussions soon to end the six-week conflict that has killed thousands across West Asia, disrupted energy supplies, fuelled inflation, and slowed the global economy.

The hostilities have impacted key strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and heightened concerns over wider regional instability. Both sides have enforced naval blockades, with Iran laying sea mines and restricting passage to its own vessels, while the United States has deployed naval ships to intercept vessels linked to Iran.

Talks in Islamabad were expected to focus on sanctions relief, maritime security, and Iran’s nuclear programme before they fell through.

Tehran had outlined conditions tied to regional security and economic measures, while Washington has cautioned against any lack of good faith during negotiations.

(With inputs from TOI)