Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he does not trust the United States and would agree to talks only if Washington engages seriously.
According to Reuters on the 15th (local time), Foreign Minister Araghchi said this to reporters while visiting New Delhi, India, to attend the foreign ministers' meeting of the BRICS.
Foreign Minister Araghchi said, "We have received messages from the U.S. side that it wants to continue dialogue and contacts," but added, "Because of contradictory messages, we cannot be sure of the United States' genuine intention to negotiate."
The United States and Iran are maintaining a temporary truce, but additional talks have not taken place as the two sides have failed to narrow differences over issues such as the nuclear program and the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. President Donald Trump is ratcheting up pressure. In an interview with Fox News the previous day, Trump said, "We can no longer maintain patience," adding, "Iran must now choose either to negotiate or to perish."
After meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping that day, President Trump said, "President Xi said he would not provide military equipment to Iran." He also said China made clear it does not agree with Iran possessing nuclear weapons.