Iran says diplomacy with US still possible

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that efforts to rebuild diplomacy with the United States remain possible.

Araghchi made the remarks after a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in Tehran.

In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi said he held a “creative discussion” with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

“Returning diplomacy to its path is not impossible. It depends on the US understanding one simple fact: pressure does not work,” Araghchi said.

“The US must build trust, speak with mutual respect, recognise our rights, and fulfil its commitments,” he added.

Sheikh Mohammed visited Tehran on Thursday to continue Qatar’s diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the US.

During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei.

The meetings also discussed efforts to create conditions for resuming dialogue, including a proposal for a temporary joint navigation corridor in the Strait of Hormuz and mine-clearing efforts.

The visit was the first by Qatar’s foreign minister to Iran since the conflict began with US and Israeli strikes in late February.