[60836] Abbas Araghchi: Iran is interested in diplomacy with the US but does not trust it

Statements by the Iranian Foreign Minister at the BRICS forum

As part of the BRICS nations summit in India on May 15, 2026, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, Abbas Araghchi, addressed the sensitive security and political situation in the Middle East. According to reports by Iran International, Araghchi defined the current ceasefire as "very unstable," but emphasized that Tehran is making efforts to maintain it in order to "give diplomacy a chance" (according to Iran International).

Regarding relations with Washington, Araghchi clarified that Tehran sets clear conditions for any future negotiations. As reported in العربیه فارسی, the minister claimed that "we are interested in talks provided that the other side (the US) is serious" (according to العربیه فارسی). However, Araghchi emphasized on Iran International that "we do not trust the Americans" and noted that the current contacts "suffer from a lack of trust."

In addition, the Iranian Foreign Minister revealed details about his country's military activity during the recent escalation of conflicts. In an interview with Iranian public broadcasting, Araghchi declared that the war has become a "turning point in the region" which "improved Iran's standing." He explicitly admitted that the Islamic Republic attacked "American targets" within the territory of the United Arab Emirates during the fighting (according to Iran International).

Regarding maritime transit in the Persian Gulf, the minister clarified that all vessels are permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, "except for those that are with us in a state of war" (according to Iran International).

Editorial note: Iran International is considered a media outlet critical of the regime in Iran, while العربیه فارسی provides objective coverage but is sometimes identified with the interests of Gulf states.