Araghchi says US-Iran talks ‘suffering from lack of trust’ — Saturday 16 May 2026Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that talks between Tehran and Washington remain hampered by deep mistrust, as he addressed reporters during a BRICS foreign ministers gathering in New Delhi. He stressed that Iran will not accept any agreement lacking clear, well-defined terms, noting that years of military pressure from the United States have failed to produce results. Conflicting signals from American officials have only deepened Iranian skepticism about Washington's true intentions. The remarks come at a time when several Middle Eastern states are watching the diplomatic track closely. Lebanon and Iraq, both still recovering from economic strain and political instability, stand to gain from any easing of sanctions that could open new trade routes and reduce the risk of renewed confrontation. Gulf capitals, meanwhile, continue to weigh the balance between potential energy market stability and concerns over Iran's regional influence. Araghchi reiterated that Tehran remains ready for a fair deal if mutual interests are respected. Such an outcome could ease tensions across the Levant and the Persian Gulf, where proxy dynamics have long complicated efforts at broader de-escalation. For now, however, the absence of trust continues to cloud prospects for progress.Watch the full video from Middle East Eye below.