Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the United States’ “contradictory and excessive stances” are a major hurdle to advancing diplomatic processes.

Talking to Pakistan’s visiting Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Araghchi said Washington has repeatedly sought to force Iran to negotiate away its right to peaceful nuclear energy and defensive capabilities, while simultaneously maintaining economic, political, and military pressure on Tehran.

He cited past US breaches of commitments, including its 2018 withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement and alignment with Israel during recent acts of aggression against Iran.

Despite deep mistrust, the Iranian leadership engaged in diplomacy “to break the cycle arising from unprovoked aggression” and out of a sense of responsibility, Araghchi added.

The foreign minister emphasised that while Iran remains committed to diplomacy, it will continue to strengthen its preparedness to defend its national security and interests.

He also called on the international community to hold the aggressors accountable for their actions, including the deaths of 170 students and teachers in Minab during the early stages of the latest attacks.

For his part, Interior Minister Naqvi described his discussions with Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf, as “constructive and useful.”

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding bilateral ties with Iran and expressed hope that the country’s diplomatic efforts would contribute to regional peace and stability.