Araghchi says Iran has ‘no trust’ in US
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday said Tehran has “no trust” in the US, and was interested in negotiating with Washington only if it was serious, as talks on ending the war remained on hold.
Araghchi told reporters in New Delhi that all vessels could pass through the Strait of Hormuz except those “at war” with Tehran, if they coordinated with Iran’s navy. But the situation around the waterway, vital to global energy and commodities markets, was “very complicated”, he added. He said “contradictory messages” had raised Iranian doubts about the Americans’ real intention.
‘Open to Beijing mediating’
Asked if Tehran was open to mediation by Beijing, Araghchi said Iran appreciated the efforts of any country that had the ability to help. “We have very good relations with China,” he said. “We are strategic partners, and we know that the Chinese have good intentions. So, anything they can do to help diplomacy would be welcomed.”
Losing patience, says Trump
US President Donald Trump said his patience with Iran was running out and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed that Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but China gave no indication it would weigh in.
Ceasefire a ‘favour’ to Pak: Trump
Trump on Friday said he agreed to a ceasefire with Iran as a “favour” to Pakistan and ruled out any further bombing of the Persian Gulf nation. “We did the ceasefire as a request from another nation. I would have really benefited from it, but we did it as a favour to Pakistan. They are terrific people, the Field Marshal and the Prime Minister,” Trump said.
