Iran’s delegation used symbolism in attire to project defiance and distrust as talks with the United States took place in Islamabad, according to a report by Kashmir Observer.
Led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, 71 Iranian officials arrived at the Serena Hotel dressed in black suits with open collars and no neckties, a choice rooted in the country’s post-1979 Islamic Revolution identity.
The absence of ties, historically associated in Iran with Western influence, has long been seen as a political statement. The report noted that the uniform appearance of the delegation was intended to signal ideological positioning even before formal negotiations began.
Araghchi wore a lapel pin shaped like the map of Iran, while Ghalibaf displayed a badge bearing Ali Khamenei, reflecting themes of sovereignty and leadership.
Across the table, US officials appeared in formal Western attire, alongside Pakistani mediators including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir.
Ghalibaf said on arrival that Iran approached the talks with goodwill but without trust, signalling tensions between the two sides.
The talks, which lasted around 21 hours, ended without an agreement. The ceasefire between the US and Iran is set to expire on April 22, with key differences persisting over issues including regional security and nuclear policy.
The report said the visual contrast between delegations reflected deeper divides, with Iran framing the negotiations as part of a broader struggle over sovereignty and influence.