Iran Reveals Nuclear Talks with the United States are Nearing Impasse

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that mediation efforts led by Pakistan with the US have not yet failed, but face a “very difficult path,” citing distrust of Washington and contradictory messages from the US.

Speaking to international reporters at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi, Friday (May 15), on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting, Araghchi said Iran remains committed to diplomacy despite what he described as a “fragile” ceasefire after the recent war involving the US and Israel against Iran.

“In reality, there is no military solution to anything related to Iran,” said Araghchi, adding that Tehran will only engage in “real negotiations” if the other side shows seriousness and seeks a “fair and balanced agreement.”

“We do not trust America. This is a fact, and this is the main obstacle in any diplomatic effort,” he added.

Araghchi accused Washington of sending “contradictory messages,” which he said also caused problems in the negotiations.

“Sometimes in one day we receive two different messages,” he said.

Referring to recent statements by US President Donald Trump, Araghchi said that Washington had rejected Iran’s response to US proposals, contrary to comments made a few 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 continue dialogue and engagement.

The Iranian Foreign Minister also confirmed that talks with the US had reached a stalemate regarding the issue of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.

“The issue of our enriched material is very complicated, and we have now reached 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 sides agreed to postpone discussions on the issue to a later stage of negotiations.

Asked about Pakistan’s mediation efforts and US President Donald Trump’s remarks about a possible role for China, Araghchi said that Islamabad’s initiative remains active despite the difficulties.

“The mediation process by Pakistan has not failed, but it is on a very difficult path, especially because of American 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 restoring relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia,” he said, referring to the Beijing-mediated reconciliation between Tehran and Riyadh.

“We have very good relations with China. We are 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.

Araghchi reiterated that Iran is not seeking to possess nuclear weapons and described Tehran’s nuclear program as a peaceful one.

He also answered questions about navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, saying that the waterway remains open for commercial shipping except for ships from countries that are “at war with us.”

“As far as we know, the Strait of Hormuz is open, and all ships can pass through it,” he said, adding that ships wishing to pass through it should coordinate with Iranian military authorities due to the presence of “mines and obstacles” in the area.

He said Iran has helped several Indian ships to pass through the strait safely.

Araghchi added that Iran and Oman are in consultation regarding future arrangements for the administration and security of the strategic waterway.

“The strait is located in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. There is no international water in between,” 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.

“Before the sanctions, we used to have more than $20 billion in business and trade with India,” he said.

Araghchi also described the Chabahar port as “one of the symbols of cooperation” between Iran and India and expressed hope that India will continue to develop the strategic transit hub connecting South Asia with Central Asia and Europe.