(SeaPRwire) – Iran’s foreign minister stated that a lack of trust remains the primary barrier to negotiations aimed at ending tensions with the U.S., noting on Friday that Tehran would be open to diplomatic assistance—particularly from China—to help reduce regional friction.
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Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remarked that conflicting signals from Washington “have made us hesitant about the true intentions of the Americans.”
“We are uncertain about their sincerity,” he told reporters in New Delhi, adding that progress in talks would depend on Washington’s readiness to pursue a “just and equitable agreement.”
U.S. President Donald Trump recently rejected Iran’s latest formal proposal as “nonsense.” Although the proposal reportedly included certain nuclear-related concessions, Trump insists on removing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and preventing the country from developing nuclear weapons. Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes.
In parallel negotiations in Washington between Israel and Lebanon, both sides agreed on Friday to extend their ceasefire until early June, according to U.S. officials.
With U.S.-Iran talks stalled amid the fragile truce, regional tensions remain elevated, raising fears of a return to open conflict in the Middle East and a worsening of the global energy crisis triggered by the hostilities.
Iran continues to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passed before the war, while the U.S. maintains a blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, concluding their talks on Friday, concurred that the strait must be reopened.
China could play a diplomatic role, Iran says
Araghchi stated on Friday that Iran would welcome diplomatic support from other nations, especially China, referencing Beijing’s past success in brokering the restoration of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Beijing has shown limited public enthusiasm in responding to U.S. appeals for greater involvement, despite Trump telling Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Xi had offered assistance during their discussions.
Pakistan announced on Thursday that it was continuing diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate regional tensions but declined to reveal details of the talks or confirm whether the U.S. had formally replied.
“Diplomacy is still active. The peace process is advancing,” said Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi to reporters in Islamabad.
Iran says uranium is a sticking point
Trump has called for a significant reduction in Iran’s nuclear activities, while Iran asserts its right to enrich uranium.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initiated the war with Trump on February 28, also demands the removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium from the country.
Iran’s foreign minister said on Friday that the status of its enriched uranium stockpile remains one of the most contentious issues in negotiations with the U.S.
Russia has previously proposed accepting the stockpile if Iran agrees to relinquish it. Araghchi noted that Moscow’s offer is not currently under active consideration but could be revisited.
“Once we reach that stage, we will naturally hold further consultations with Russia to assess whether their proposal could be viable,” he said.
Israel and Lebanon extend ceasefire as strikes continue
Israel and Lebanon agreed to prolong the expiring Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire by an additional 45 days to allow time for negotiations on a comprehensive peace deal, the U.S. State Department announced.
Following two days of talks, the department said it would reconvene both sides for further discussions on June 2 and 3, while a Pentagon-led military channel—between the Israeli and Lebanese armed forces—will commence on May 29. Hezbollah opposes direct Lebanese engagement with Israel and has not participated in the talks.
Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, described the discussions as candid and productive. “There will be challenges, but the prospects for success are strong,” he wrote in a social media post. “Throughout the negotiations, the safety of our citizens and soldiers will remain the top priority.”
The ongoing ceasefire has not halted exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military reported on Friday that it struck Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon after detecting hostile aircraft activity and launches from across the border. Lebanon’s health ministry said three paramedics were killed in an attack near Harouf. Additional strikes around the coastal city of Tyre injured nearly 40 people, destroyed a medical center, and damaged Hiram Hospital, leaving six healthcare workers wounded, according to the ministry.
Chinese-owned ship taken into Iranian waters
A Chinese-owned vessel anchored near the United Arab Emirates was seized earlier this week and escorted into Iranian waters.
Chinese private security firm Sinoguards stated it had “been informed through appropriate channels” that the Hui Chuan, which it operated as an offshore work platform, was taken into Iranian waters for documentation and compliance checks by authorities.
The company’s email statement indicated no injuries aboard the ship and confirmed full cooperation.
Honduras, the vessel’s flag state, reported that the ship carried 17 crew members from Nepal, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka.
The seizure occurred as a senior Iranian official reaffirmed Tehran’s claim of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, while another official asserted Iran’s right to detain oil tankers linked to the U.S.
The U.S. seized several vessels in the Gulf of Oman last month. On Friday, Pakistan’s foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, announced the repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals and 20 Iranian citizens who had been aboard those ships. “All individuals are in good health and high spirits,” he said.
UAE speeds up construction of oil pipeline
The United Arab Emirates is accelerating the completion of a new pipeline designed to enable the Gulf nation to export more oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, instructed state-owned oil company ADNOC to expedite work on the pipeline, the Abu Dhabi Media Office announced on Friday.
ADNOC already operates a pipeline capable of transporting 1.5 million barrels per day from its oil fields to the port of Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman.
The new pipeline, expected to double export capacity through Fujairah, is slated to become operational next year, the media office said.
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Schreck reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press reporters Munir Ahmed in Islamabad; Koral Saeed in Abu Snan, Israel; Matthew Lee in Washington; and Mae Anderson in New York contributed.
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