Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that the United States has conveyed messages indicating its willingness to continue negotiations. He also expressed openness to support from any nation, including China, to help end the ongoing conflict.
US Signals Readiness for Dialogue
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Araghchi said, “We received messages again from the Americans saying that they are willing to continue the talks and continue the interaction.” This comes a day after US President Donald Trump mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered China's assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pledged not to supply military equipment to Iran in its war against the US and Israel.
China's Role Welcomed
Araghchi welcomed China's potential involvement, stating, “We appreciate any country who has the ability to help, particularly China. We have very good relations with China, we are strategic partners to each other, and we know that the Chinese have a good intention, so anything that can be done by them to help diplomacy would be welcomed by the Islamic republic.”
However, the foreign minister emphasized that Tehran harbors “no trust” in the US and would only negotiate if Washington is serious about reaching an agreement to end the war. He added that all vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz except those “at war” with Iran, provided they coordinate with Iran's navy.
Pakistan's Mediation Efforts
Pakistan has been a key mediator between the US and Iran. Araghchi noted, “The mediation process by Pakistan has not failed yet, but it is in a very difficult course, mostly because of the Americans’ behavior and the mistrust which exists between us.”
Trump's Remarks on Iran and China
President Trump, returning from a state visit to China, said Xi Jinping “feels strongly” that Iran should not possess a nuclear weapon and wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened. Trump also mentioned considering lifting sanctions on Chinese companies that purchase Iranian oil, noting that 40 percent of China's trade passes through the strait.
China's foreign ministry expressed hope for a lasting ceasefire “as soon as possible” and urged the reopening of shipping lanes. Trump claimed that US B-2 bombers had destroyed Iran's uranium stockpile and that over 80 percent of Iran's missile capabilities had been depleted. He rejected Iran's response to a US peace proposal, stating, “I didn’t like the first sentence of the Iranian response, so I threw it away.”
Trump further asserted that Iran is in a state of severe confusion after the destruction of its ships and commanders, and he dismissed reports of remaining Iranian missile capabilities as “high treason.”
