Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has remarked that Tehran has “no trust whatsoever” in the United States. He stated that Tehran is willing to sit down with Washington only if the latter demonstrates sincerity regarding the agreement. He made these comments to journalists in New Delhi on Friday. Currently, discussions aimed at ending the conflict between the two nations remain suspended.
Araghchi noted that countries not “engaged in conflict” with Iran would be permitted to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz; however, such passage would require coordination with the Iranian Navy.
Araghchi is currently visiting India to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting. He described the situation in this maritime route—which is vital for global energy and commodity markets—as “extremely complex.”
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Araghchi wrote that he had conveyed to Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar that “as the guardian of the security of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will always fulfill its historical responsibilities.”
Attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran began last February. Subsequently, Iran halted almost all maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Notably, one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies are transported through this sea lane.
Stalemate in Negotiations
Although Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire last month, both nations are struggling to reach a consensus on a permanent peace treaty. Last week, both sides rejected each other’s latest proposals. Since then, the negotiations—mediated by Pakistan—have remained suspended.
Araghchi stated that Washington’s “conflicting messages” have sown doubts in Tehran regarding the true intentions of the United States. He further clarified that while the Pakistan-mediated process has not failed, it has indeed reached a stalemate.
Over the past 13 months, negotiations with Tehran were initiated on two separate occasions. However, each time, the United States and Israel halted the talks by launching airstrikes against Iran.
Iran is currently striving to uphold the existing ceasefire in order to allow for a diplomatic resolution. Nevertheless, Araghchi affirmed that Tehran remains prepared to resume hostilities if the need arises. Iran’s nuclear program and its control over the Strait of Hormuz have emerged as major obstacles in the discussions between the two parties.
Hours before Araghchi’s remarks, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that his patience with Iran was wearing thin. He also mentioned that, during a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, they had reached an agreement regarding the need for Tehran to swiftly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about Tehran’s stance regarding Beijing’s mediation efforts, Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that Iran values initiatives undertaken by any country capable of offering assistance.
Araghchi remarked, “We share excellent relations with China; we are strategic partners. We know that the Chinese have good intentions. Therefore, we will welcome any steps they take to facilitate diplomatic efforts.”
Araghchi further added, “We hope that, through progress in our discussions, we will be able to reach a satisfactory resolution. This would ensure the complete security of the Strait of Hormuz and allow us to swiftly restore normal maritime traffic in the region.”
