Iran’s FM Araghchi: Tehran has ‘no trust’ in US, will only negotiate if it’s serious

Tehran has “no trust” in the US and is interested in negotiating with Washington only if it is serious, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says, as talks on ending the war remain on hold.

All vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz except those at war with Tehran, Araghchi tells reporters in New Delhi during a visit to attend the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, adding that vessels wanting to transit should coordinate with its navy.

The situation around the key conduit is “very complicated,” he says.

“Contradictory messages” have made Iran reluctant about the real intention of the Americans on negotiations, Araghchi says, adding that the mediation process by Pakistan has not failed but is in “difficulty.”

Iran is trying to keep the ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance but is also prepared to go back to fighting, he says.

Araghchi’s statement on Friday comes hours after US President Donald Trump said his patience with Iran was running out and that he’d agreed in talks with Chinese President Xi ​Jinping that Tehran must reopen the strait.

Araghchi says Iran would “appreciate any country who has the ability to help, particularly China.”