FM says Iran has 'zero' trust in US, dismisses efficacy of American ground attack

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran has "zero" trust in the United States and dismissed the effectiveness of any potential American ground operation targeting the Islamic Republic.

Speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, the top diplomat said messages had been exchanged with the United States, either directly or via regional intermediaries, but stressed that these contacts did not constitute negotiations.

"I receive messages from [US envoy Steve] Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations," he said, according to remarks published by the network on Tuesday.

"There is no truth to the claim of negotiations with any party in Iran," he added, categorically rejecting American officials' claims of being engaged in such process with Iranian officials.

Araghchi pointed to historical experience as a reason for Iran’s distrust. "We do not have any faith that negotiations with the US will yield any results. The trust level is at zero. We don’t see honesty," the official stated.

As a case in point, he cited the US's withdrawal under Donald Trump's former tenure as president from a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and others.

Araghchi clarified that Tehran had not responded to a 15-point proposal sent by the US, nor had it submitted any proposals or conditions of its own.

Regarding reports of a possible US ground operation targeting Iran, the foreign minister reiterated the Islamic Republic’s readiness and dismissed any apprehension on the part of Tehran in this regard.

'I don't think they'd dare'

"We are waiting for them. I don’t think they’d dare to do such a thing. There will be a lot of strength waiting for them," he stated.

"We know very well how to defend ourselves. In a ground war, we can do it even better. We are completely ready to confront any sort of ground attack. We hope they do not make such a mistake."

Elsewhere in his remarks, Araghchi addressed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has closed to adversaries and those aiding them in their February 28-present aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Araghchi emphasized that the waterway lied within Oman’s and Iran’s territorial waters and was therefore subject to strategic use.

"Only for the ships of those who are at war with us, this strait is closed. That is normal during war – we cannot let our enemies use our territorial waters for commerce," he said.

"Ships linked to other countries – because of security concerns, because of high insurance prices, or whatever other reason – they have decided not to use the Strait,” he added, noting that some countries had negotiated with Iran on the matter.

Araghchi also noted that the post-war security of the strait would be determined by Tehran and Muscat, but said the waterway could function as a "peaceful waterway."

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