DIRECTIONS – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Pakistan-led mediation efforts with the US have not failed, but face a “very difficult road”, citing distrust of Washington and contradictory American messages.
Speaking to international journalists at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi, Friday, May 15, 2026, on the sidelines of a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, Araghchi said Iran remained committed to diplomacy despite what he described as a “shaky” ceasefire following the recent war involving the US and Israel against Iran.
“In reality, there is no military solution to anything related to Iran,” Araghchi said, saying that Tehran would only engage in “real negotiations” if the other side showed seriousness and sought a “fair and balanced deal.”
“We do not trust America. This is a fact, and this is the main obstacle in any diplomatic effort,” he added.
Araghchi alleged that Washington’s “contradictory messages” were also causing problems in the negotiations.
“Sometimes in one day we receive two different messages,” he said.
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Referring to US President Donald Trump’s recent statements, Araghchi stated that the claim that Washington had rejected Iran’s response to the US proposal was related to comments made days earlier.
According to Araghchi, after Trump described Iran’s position as “unacceptable” in a social media post, Tehran then received additional messages from the US side indicating a willingness to resume dialogue and engagement.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also confirmed that talks with the US had reached an impasse over the issue of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
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“Our enriched materials issue is very complex, and we have now come to the conclusion with the US that because it is so difficult, we are almost at an impasse on this particular issue,” he said.
According to Araghchi, both parties agreed to postpone discussions on the issue to a later stage of negotiations.
Pakistani Mediation, China’s Role
Asked about Pakistan’s mediation efforts and US President Donald Trump’s statements regarding China’s possible role, Araghchi said Islamabad’s initiatives remain active despite facing difficulties.
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“The mediation process by Pakistan has not failed, but is on a very difficult path, mainly because of America’s behavior and the distrust that exists between us,” he said.
Araghchi also welcomed any constructive diplomatic role from China.
“China has helped in the past in the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia,” he said, referring to the Beijing-mediated reconciliation between Tehran and Riyadh.
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“We have very good relations with China. We are each other’s strategic partners, and we know that China has good intentions. So, anything they can do to help diplomacy will be welcomed by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added.
According to Araghchi, both parties agreed to postpone discussions on the issue to a later stage of negotiations.
Strait of Hormuz, India Relations
Araghchi reiterated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and described Tehran’s nuclear program as peaceful.
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Diga also answered questions regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, saying the waterway remains open to commercial shipping except for ships of countries “at war with us.”
“As far as we know, the Strait of Hormuz is open, and all ships can pass through,” he said, adding that ships wishing to pass through must coordinate with Iranian military authorities due to the “mines and obstacles” that still exist in the area.
He said Iran had helped several Indian ships to pass through the strait safely.
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Araghchi added that Iran and Oman were consulting on future arrangements for the administration and security of the strategic waterway.
“The strait is located in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. There are no international waters between them,” he said.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also pointed to the strong economic and historical ties between Tehran and New Delhi, while noting that bilateral trade has declined due to US sanctions.
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“Before the sanctions, we used to have more than US$20 billion worth of business and trade with India,” he said.
Araghchi also described Chabahar Port as “one of the symbols of cooperation” between Iran and India and expressed hope that India will continue to develop a strategic transit hub connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Europe.***
