Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said today that Iran has "no trust" in the US regarding peace talks and will only negotiate if the US is serious about a fair deal [1, 2, 3]. Speaking at a BRICS meeting in New Delhi, Araghchi described the current ceasefire between Iran and the US as "very shaky" but said Iran is trying to maintain it to allow diplomacy a chance [1, 3].
The war that began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran has lasted over 40 days without resolution [3]. Negotiations to end the conflict are currently on hold after both sides rejected each other’s proposals last week [1]. Araghchi said, "We are in doubt about their seriousness, but the moment we feel that they are serious and they are ready for a fair and balanced deal, we will certainly proceed in the course of negotiations" [2]. He also remarked, "We have every reason not to trust Americans, while they have no reason not to trust us" [3].
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed by Iran to most shipping since the war began, except for vessels from countries not at war with Tehran. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply normally passes through the strait [1]. US President Donald Trump said his patience with Iran is "running out" and agreed with China’s President Xi Jinping that Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The nuclear dispute, including Iran's enriched uranium, remains deadlocked and will likely be addressed later in any potential negotiations [2]. Iran is considering Russia’s offer to store enriched uranium and welcomes help from China and other countries to resolve the conflict [2]. Araghchi also criticized the UAE for blocking parts of a BRICS ministerial statement because of its close ties with Israel [2].
The ceasefire between Iran and the US took effect on April 8 and has held tenuously since then [3]. Araghchi said, "We are now in a state of ceasefire, although it’s very shaky. But we are trying to keep it to give diplomacy a chance" [3]. The next steps depend on whether the US can demonstrate seriousness for negotiations and reopen dialogue.
