Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said a lack of trust is the main obstacle in negotiations aimed at ending the war with the United States, while indicating that Tehran could welcome diplomatic support from countries such as China.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Friday, Araghchi said mixed and contradictory messages from Washington had raised doubts in Tehran about US intentions. “We are in doubt about their seriousness,” he said, adding that talks could move forward if the US agreed to a “fair and balanced deal.”
His remarks came after US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s latest formal proposal as “garbage.” While reports suggested Iran had offered limited nuclear concessions, Trump has insisted on the removal of highly enriched uranium from the country to prevent any possibility of nuclear weapons development. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful.
Araghchi said the issue of enriched uranium remains one of the most difficult points in the negotiations. He noted that Russia had previously offered to take custody of Iran’s uranium stockpile, but said the proposal was not currently under active discussion, though it could be reconsidered later.
On regional tensions, US officials said Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days to allow further negotiations on a broader peace deal. Despite the agreement, both sides have continued to exchange strikes, with casualties reported in southern Lebanon.
Araghchi also said Iran would welcome diplomatic involvement from other countries, especially China, pointing to Beijing’s past role in restoring ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia. However, China has shown limited public interest in stepping into the US-led efforts, even as discussions on the issue continue.
The Iranian minister’s comments came as tensions remain high over key strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass. The US and its allies have maintained pressure on Iran, while talks remain stalled.
Separately, reports said a Chinese-owned vessel anchored near the United Arab Emirates was seized and taken toward Iranian waters for inspection and documentation. The operator said there were no injuries and that it was cooperating with authorities. The ship carried crew members from several Asian countries.
In the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates has also accelerated construction of a new oil pipeline aimed at reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for exports, amid ongoing security concerns.
Pakistan has meanwhile said it continues diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions, describing the process as ongoing despite limited public details of progress.