Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday stated that Tehran has received messages from the United States expressing a desire to continue negotiations. He made these remarks during a press conference in New Delhi, where he is attending the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting.
Background on US-Iran Talks
Araghchi addressed recent developments, clarifying that earlier reports of rejection pertained to a US proposal that called for halting hostilities before moving to negotiations on contentious issues, including Iran's nuclear program. He noted that while US President Donald Trump had dismissed Iran's response as a 'piece of garbage' and described the ceasefire as 'on massive life support,' subsequent messages from Washington indicated a willingness to maintain engagement.
Iran's Stance on Trust
Araghchi emphasized that Iran has no trust in the United States, accusing Washington of resorting to diplomacy only after failing to achieve its goals through military pressure. 'Now, after 40 days of war, when the US became hopeless of achieving any goal in their aggression against Iran, they offered negotiation,' he said. 'We have no trust in Americans. This is the main obstacle in the way of any diplomatic effort.'
He described the current ceasefire as 'very shaky' but affirmed that Tehran is trying to preserve it to allow space for diplomacy. 'There is no military solution to anything related to Iran. They have tested us time and again. We never bow to any pressure or threat,' Araghchi added.
Conflict Timeline
The Middle East war began with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Subsequent high-stakes talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 11-12 failed to achieve a breakthrough. The ceasefire has been in place since April 8 but remains fragile.
Araghchi's comments come amid ongoing tensions, with Iran insisting on respect and diplomacy while rejecting any form of coercion.
