Iranian President Says Trust in U.S. Negotiations Has Eroded

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Al Jazeera that Tehran no longer trusts negotiations with the United States after earlier rounds were followed by attacks and sanctions. He said the Iranian side does not know on what basis an understanding can be reached with the U.S.

Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited the United Nations meeting in the United States this week and presented a seven-day plan that would end hostilities in the Israel-U.S. conflict with Iran, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear programme. The proposal calls for a four- to five-day cease-fire, reopening the strait on day six and starting talks on a final deal on day seven, with the United States expected to lift its naval blockade, waive oil sanctions and release about $12 billion in frozen assets.

He said Qatar and Pakistan are acting as mediators, conveying Iran's messages to Washington, and that the United States must clarify its position on a June memorandum of understanding that expired last month.

Pezeshkian denied Iran was responsible for the current blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, attributing the closure to U.S. actions. He argued the waterway could be reopened if negotiations end the war and emphasized that Iran seeks only compliance with international law.

The president also called for regional security cooperation without external policing, suggested Saudi Arabia could help unite Islamic countries, and offered Iran’s assistance to resolve the conflict in Yemen, stating that the Houthi rebels act independently of Tehran.

Domestically, Pezeshkian claimed Iran is experiencing unprecedented unity, noting recent meetings with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to address internal challenges.