Iran FM says U.S. willing to continue talks, open to China’s help

Lead

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran has received messages from the United States expressing willingness to continue talks, but underscored that distrust remains about Washington's intentions. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on the sidelines of a BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, Araghchi said Iran is open to receiving help from any country capable of facilitating a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, with particular appreciation for China's role.

Coverage comparison

Araghchi's remarks were reported by multiple outlets, each highlighting different aspects of his press conference. Al Jazeera and The Hindu focused on the foreign minister's statement that Iran had received US messages indicating openness to new talks, with Al Jazeera emphasizing Araghchi's "distrust" of the US and his comments on a "deadlock" regarding Iran's enriched material. The Jerusalem Post highlighted Araghchi's assertion that Tehran has "no trust" in the US, and also reported his comments about the Strait of Hormuz and the situation there being "very complicated." TASS emphasized Araghchi's openness to China's help, noting his praise for China's previous role in restoring relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and also reported on the broader context of the conflict, including the number of casualties.

All four outlets quoted Araghchi directly, with variations in the framing: Al Jazeera and The Hindu centered on the US messages and the possibility of new talks, while the Jerusalem Post and TASS focused on Iran's lack of trust and the potential role of China, respectively.

Key claims

Araghchi, who attended the BRICS meeting in New Delhi, said Iran received messages from the US administration indicating a willingness to continue talks and interaction. He was quoted by Al Jazeera and The Hindu as stating, "We received messages again from the Americans saying that they are willing to continue the talks and continue the interaction." However, he expressed doubt about Washington's seriousness, saying, as reported by Al Jazeera, "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." The Jerusalem Post quoted him saying that "contradictory messages" have made Tehran reluctant about the real intentions of the Americans.

Araghchi also addressed the Iranian nuclear programme, which Al Jazeera reported as a "deadlock" on the question of Iran's enriched material, with the issue likely to be postponed until later stages of future talks. He confirmed that he had spoken to Russian officials about Moscow's offer to store Iran's enriched uranium, and said, as quoted by Al Jazeera, "When we come to that stage, obviously we will have more consultations with Russia and see if the Russian offer can help or not."

On China, Araghchi voiced appreciation for its potential role. The Hindu and TASS both quoted him as saying, "We appreciate any country who has the ability to help, particularly China." He added, as reported by The Hindu and TASS, that Iran and China are strategic partners and that Tehran believes the Chinese side has good intentions. These remarks came in response to US President Donald Trump's statement, reported by The Hindu and TASS, that Chinese President Xi Jinping had offered to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Hindu also quoted Trump as saying that Xi had pledged not to send military equipment to aid Iran in its war against the United States and Israel.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the Jerusalem Post quoted Araghchi as saying that all vessels can pass through the strait except those at war with Tehran, and that vessels wanting to transit should coordinate with Iran's navy. He described the situation around the key conduit as "very complicated."

Araghchi also commented on the mediation process, which has been led by Pakistan. The Hindu and the Jerusalem Post reported him as saying that the process "has not failed yet" but is "in a very difficult course, mostly because of the Americans' behaviour and the mistrust which exists between us." The Jerusalem Post added that talks were suspended since both sides rejected each other's recent proposals.

TASS reported that approximately 3,375 Iranians were killed during 40 days of hostilities, and provided additional context on the conflict's timeline, including the ceasefire announced by Trump on April 7 and the subsequent meetings in Islamabad.

Perspectives

Iranian Foreign Ministry: Araghchi expressed openness to continued talks with the US, but insisted that Tehran remains skeptical of Washington's intentions, describing the mediation by Pakistan as in "difficulty" due to American behavior. He welcomed potential Chinese help, citing the strategic partnership between Iran and China, and noted that Iran is prepared to return to fighting if necessary.

US President Donald Trump: Trump, as reported by multiple outlets, said his patience with Iran is running out and agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping that Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He also stated that Xi had offered to assist in de-escalating the conflict, without sending military equipment.

Chinese government: While not directly quoted, Trump's account of his meeting with Xi, as reported by The Hindu and TASS, indicates that China has offered to help resolve the crisis and is committed to a diplomatic approach.