New Delhi, May 15 (ANI) — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that India could play a larger role in reducing tensions across West Asia, describing New Delhi’s growing influence as that of a global peacemaker. Araghchi spoke at a press conference in the national capital following a meeting of the BRICS foreign ministers.
He stressed that Tehran does not see a future in armed conflict and described a negotiated settlement as the only realistic way out of the current crisis. “We will welcome any constructive role by India,” he said, signaling Tehran’s openness to Indian mediation efforts.
The comments come amid a fragile stalemate in the region after the outbreak of hostilities on February 28 involving the combined forces of the United States and Israel against Iran. While a tentative ceasefire holds, the situation remains tense, with the Strait of Hormuz becoming a key flashpoint in a wider energy and maritime confrontation.
Araghchi described the maritime picture as “very complicated.” He said Iran is willing to assist the passage of vessels that are not hostile to Tehran, provided they coordinate directly with the Iranian navy. He added that U.S. measures aimed at curbing Iran’s petroleum exports and Tehran’s retaliatory restrictions on shipping have disrupted global energy markets and driven fuel prices higher.
On diplomacy with Washington, Araghchi said talks are hampered by mutual distrust and by what he called “contradictory messages” from the U.S. He said Iran is trying to maintain the truce to give diplomacy a chance but warned Tehran is prepared to resume fighting if negotiations collapse.
Noting that other regional mediation efforts face difficulties, Araghchi emphasized India’s potential to help bridge gaps. He also reiterated Iran’s longstanding position that it never sought nuclear weapons, despite pressure from the United States.
The remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning that his “patience with Iran was running out” and his demand for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. (ANI)
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