WANA (May 15) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi declared on Friday that Iran maintains “zero trust” in the United States, citing it as the single greatest obstacle to diplomatic efforts.

 

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Araghchi emphasized that Iran will only negotiate when the opposing side proves serious and corrects its course, noting that Washington’s history of broken promises has stalled the path to a negotiated solution.

 

The Foreign Minister highlighted that Iran and India share deep civilizational ties and robust political and economic cooperation. However, he turned his focus to the recent “aggression” by the U.S. and Israel, noting that the attack occurred exactly as diplomatic efforts were peaking.

 

This marked the second time a promising diplomatic process was interrupted by military action, a move Araghchi described as “unfortunate.”

 

Betrayal of the Diplomatic Process

Araghchi provided a detailed timeline of recent diplomatic failures to justify Tehran’s skepticism:

 

The 2015 JCPOA: He recalled how the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal under the first Trump term despite Iran’s full compliance.

 

The 12-Day War: He noted that after subsequent rounds of talks, the U.S. chose military action, resulting in a 12-day conflict.

 

The February Breakout: This year, after three rounds of talks in Muscat and Geneva, Omani mediator Badr Albusaidi had confirmed “significant progress” as recently as February 26. Just two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran.

 

Araghchi asserted that after 40 days of war, the U.S. has returned to proposing negotiations because it failed to achieve its objectives militarily. He warned that “whatever they could not achieve through military force, they will not achieve at the negotiating table” unless a win-win solution is reached.

 

Strait of Hormuz and Regional Security

Regarding maritime security, Araghchi clarified that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all except “hostile countries.” He emphasized that the strait consists of the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, with no international waters in between. Key points included:

 

  • Management: Future administration of the strait must be managed by Iran and Oman, who are currently consulting on a proper mechanism.
  • Safe Passage: Iran is currently assisting Indian and other non-hostile vessels with safe transit.
  • Innocent Passage: While Iran faces a naval blockade, it remains committed to “innocent passage” for those who coordinate with its forces.
  • Normalization: Normal maritime conditions will only return once U.S. aggression ceases.

 

Economic Interests and the Chabahar Port

The Foreign Minister expressed a strong desire to return trade with India to its pre-sanctions level of $20 billion. While he acknowledged India’s considerations regarding “unilateral and illegal” U.S. sanctions, he stated that Iran is ready to resume oil sales.

 

He also highlighted the Chabahar Port as a “golden gateway” for India to access Central Asia and Europe, urging New Delhi to continue its development despite the slow pace caused by sanctions.

 

Nuclear Stance and Russian Proposals

Araghchi reiterated that Iran “never wanted and does not want” a nuclear bomb, maintaining a peaceful program. He discussed a recent meeting in St. Petersburg with President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov regarding a Russian proposal for Iran’s enriched materials.

 

While thanking Russia, Araghchi noted that because talks with the U.S. on this specific issue have reached a “deadlock,” the matter has been postponed to later stages of negotiation.

 

Response to U.S. Threats and Internal Confusion

Addressing reports that the U.S. rejected an Iranian proposal and Donald Trump’s threats to strike nuclear sites—citing a lack of patience and claiming the war serves Israeli and Gulf interests—Araghchi dismissed these as “contradictory remarks and irrational hyperbole.”

 

He stated such rhetoric is antithetical to any diplomatic path and noted that reports of a rejected proposal were dated, questioning their sudden prominence in the media.

 

“An attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities has already occurred once,” Araghchi noted, adding that these conflicting statements signal a “deep confusion” within the U.S. regarding its own objectives. He asserted that Washington lacks a coherent plan to end the war and expressed hope that “wisdom and logic” would return to the White House.

 

BRICS Obstructions and Regional Complicity

When asked why the BRICS joint statement failed to mention U.S.-Israeli aggression or take a stand on the occupation of Palestine, Araghchi suggested the question be directed to the summit chair. However, he lamented that one member state—which he claimed helped the U.S. and Israel by providing airspace, land, and military bases—blocked any stance against Israel.

 

Araghchi characterized this country as a “direct partner” in the aggression that must be held accountable. He warned regional neighbors that neither Israel nor U.S. bases could provide them security, as the war proved these assets are actually “sources of insecurity.”

 

Araghchi further expressed disappointment that a certain member of the BRICS group blocked a ministerial statement condemning the strikes on Iran. He warned regional neighbors that hosting U.S. bases and fostering ties with Israel has become a “source of insecurity” rather than protection.

 

Strategic Partnerships with China

The Foreign Minister concluded by reaffirming Iran’s strategic partnership with China. He welcomed any diplomatic assistance from Beijing, noting that the Chinese government maintains “good intentions.”

 

He expressed hope that as negotiations progress, the Strait of Hormuz will reach full security, allowing maritime traffic to return to normal at an accelerated pace.