Iran says US willing to continue talks as ceasefire holds

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Friday that Tehran has received new messages from the United States indicating Washington's willingness to continue talks, despite a week of escalating tensions between the two nations that saw US President Donald Trump dismiss Iran's counterproposal as "a piece of garbage." Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi during the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, Araghchi emphasized that while the temporary ceasefire established on April 8 remains in place, it is "very shaky," and he accused Washington of turning to diplomacy only after 40 days of military aggression failed to achieve its objectives. He stated that Iran has "every reason not to trust Americans," citing contradictory messages from the US administration as the primary obstacle to any diplomatic breakthrough. The conflict between Washington and Tehran originated with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, followed by failed high-stakes talks held in Islamabad on April 11-12. Araghchi stressed that there is "no military solution to anything related to Iran," adding that Tehran remains willing to allow ships from countries not at war with Iran to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies that handles approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments. Pakistan has served as the primary mediator between the two sides, though Araghchi acknowledged the mediation process is facing significant difficulties due to American behavior and mutual mistrust. Araghchi welcomed potential assistance from China, stating that Tehran maintains strategic partnerships with Beijing and would appreciate any constructive role. He also expressed appreciation for India's potential involvement in peace talks, calling for a "greater role" from New Delhi while noting his strong working relationship with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. China's foreign ministry indicated it has been working to help resolve the situation since the conflict began, stating that finding an early resolution serves the interests of both the US and Iran as well as regional countries and the broader international community.