Iran: US contradictions hampering peace negotiations

Published 23 May, 2026 09:07am 2 min read
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. -- Reuters file
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. -- Reuters file

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday criticised the United States for repeatedly failing to honour its commitments, calling Washington’s actions a major obstacle to the Pakistan-mediated negotiations.

Araghchi made the remarks on Friday during a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, outlining what he described as a “history of failures,” including diplomatic betrayals, military aggression against Iran, contradictory positions, and excessive demands.

He cited two major instances of US-Israeli aggression — last June and on February 27 — occurring even as Washington engaged in diplomatic talks with Tehran.

Araghchi also highlighted the US’s pattern of shifting positions and issuing maximalist demands, such as pressing Iran to abandon its peaceful nuclear programme and reconsider its defensive missile capabilities.

Despite longstanding mistrust, Araghchi said Iran has re-engaged in diplomacy “seriously and responsibly,” making every effort to achieve a fair and just outcome.

Guterres, for his part, reaffirmed the importance of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for diplomacy in line with the UN Charter to promote peace and stability in the region.

Also on Friday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei noted that while negotiations are ongoing, a deal with the United States is not yet imminent.

“The differences between Iran and the United States are deep and extensive, especially after recent acts over the past two to three months,” he said in a televised interview.

Baghaei added that visits by senior Pakistani officials to Tehran signal that the talks have reached a “decisive” stage.

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