Iran says it does not trust the United States and will only return to negotiations if Washington shows it is acting in good faith, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday, as efforts to revive stalled talks on ending the conflict remain on ice.
Speaking in New Delhi during a visit for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Araqchi said the gap between both sides has widened amid what he described as shifting and inconsistent signals from Washington.
“The lack of consistent messaging has made us question America’s real intentions,” he said, adding that mediation efforts led by Pakistan were still ongoing but facing serious difficulties rather than total collapse.
He also addressed the tense situation around the Strait of Hormuz, saying all vessels are allowed passage except those at war with Iran, though ships must coordinate with Iranian naval authorities before transiting the strategic waterway.
The strait, one of the world’s most important oil routes, has been heavily disrupted since the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel escalated in February.
Iran has since restricted most maritime traffic through the passage, which typically handles about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments.
Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire last month, but efforts to turn that into a lasting agreement have stalled after both sides rejected each other’s latest proposals.
Araqchi said Iran remains committed to keeping the ceasefire intact to allow space for diplomacy, but warned that it is still prepared to resume fighting if necessary. Key sticking points in the talks include Iran’s nuclear programme and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
His comments came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was running out of patience with Tehran and backed the position that Iran should reopen the strait, underscoring the growing tension between both sides even as diplomatic channels remain formally open.
