Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the U.S. has every reason to trust Iran while Tehran has reasons to distrust Washington [1, 2].
These remarks highlight the fragile nature of current diplomatic efforts to resolve a nuclear deadlock and end regional conflict. The contrast in trust levels suggests that while Iran remains open to negotiations, it views the U.S. as an unreliable partner in long-term agreements.
Araghchi said Thursday, May 15, 2026, while attending the BRICS summit in India [1, 2]. During the event, he said that diplomatic talks are still underway to address the ongoing regional war and the stalled nuclear negotiations [2].
"We have every reason not to trust the United States," Araghchi said [2].
Despite this skepticism, the foreign minister suggested that the path to peace remains open through diplomatic channels. He said that the U.S. should find Iran to be a trustworthy entity in these dealings [1].
Araghchi also suggested that India could play a greater role in facilitating peace within the region [1]. This outreach occurs as both nations seek new diplomatic avenues to bypass the mutual distrust that has historically hindered nuclear agreements.
"The United States has every reason to trust Iran," Araghchi said [1].
The foreign minister's comments in India signal a strategic attempt to leverage international forums like BRICS to apply pressure or find mediators for the nuclear deadlock [2].
“"We have every reason not to trust the United States."”
Araghchi's statements reflect a calculated diplomatic posture: presenting Iran as a stable actor while framing U.S. policy as the primary source of instability. By emphasizing this trust gap at a BRICS summit, Iran is likely attempting to build a coalition of non-Western allies to validate its position and increase its leverage in nuclear negotiations.
