Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said India could play a ‘greater role’ in promoting peace in West Asia, adding that there is no military solution to issues involving Iran. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Araghchi said Tehran supports any constructive diplomatic initiative aimed at de-escalation in the region. “We will welcome any constructive role by India,” he said. Ceasefire described as ‘fragile’ Araghchi said a ceasefire is currently in place but remains highly unstable, and cautioned against assuming it will hold without sustained diplomatic engagement. He reiterated that Iran continues to pursue diplomatic and negotiated outcomes to regional disputes, stressing that military solutions are not viable. US-Iran trust deficit at centre of talks On ongoing negotiations with the United States, the Iranian foreign minister said the process is hampered by a severe lack of trust. “Iran has every reason not to trust the US, while Americans have every reason to trust us,” he said, adding that mistrust remains the central obstacle to any diplomatic breakthrough. Araghchi also said mediation efforts involving Pakistan “have not failed yet,” indicating that backchannel diplomacy is still underway. Iran rejects nuclear weapons ambitions Reaffirming Tehran’s longstanding position, Araghchi said Iran has never sought nuclear weapons, underscoring that its nuclear programme remains peaceful in nature. Slams US approach to diplomacy In a broader critique of Washington’s foreign policy, Araghchi accused the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts and contributing to instability in West Asia. He said Iran has faced sustained pressure and sanctions for decades but has not altered its strategic direction in response. “We oppose any pressure, threats and aggression. We also resist sanctions,” he said, adding that the Iranian people respond only to “the language of respect”. ‘Strikes during negotiations’ Araghchi alleged that Iran has been subjected to military action during periods when diplomatic channels were still active, claiming this has deepened mistrust between the two sides. He said such actions reinforce Tehran’s view that negotiations have repeatedly been undermined by force. India’s role acknowledged The Iranian foreign minister also expressed appreciation for India’s diplomatic engagement and humanitarian support, saying New Delhi has shown solidarity with the Iranian people. “We appreciate the government and people of India,” he said. Strait of Hormuz tensions add to regional volatility Araghchi also highlighted the growing complexity in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the situation “very complicated” amid heightened regional tensions affecting maritime security and global energy flows. He said Iran is prepared to facilitate safe passage for vessels through the strategic waterway, despite ongoing instability. The remarks come as West Asia continues to face heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with fragile ceasefire arrangements and competing regional interests shaping the security and energy landscape. Post navigation ‘Unemployed youth are like cockroaches’:CJI says they attack system through media, social media and RTI activism
