Iran’s Foreign Ministry has blamed deep mistrust, shifting US positions, and ongoing regional conflict for delays in diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war between Washington and Tehran, as exchanges of military strikes intensify and broader instability grips the Middle East.
Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said negotiations have begun in an atmosphere of “severe suspicion and mistrust,” arguing that inconsistent US demands are slowing progress. He added that Iran views Israeli military actions in Lebanon as directly linked to Washington’s position in the conflict, further complicating talks.
“The other party is constantly changing its views and putting forward new or contradictory demands,” Baghaei said, suggesting this has made negotiations more protracted.
His comments come after the United States confirmed it had carried out strikes on Iranian military sites over the weekend, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it responded by targeting a US-linked air base. The latest exchange forms part of a broader pattern of retaliatory attacks since a ceasefire took effect in early April, as diplomatic efforts continue without a breakthrough.
US Central Command said its weekend operation was in response to what it called “aggressive Iranian actions,” including the downing of an American drone. It said US forces struck air defence systems and drone infrastructure it described as threats to naval traffic in regional waters.
Iran did not specify the location of its retaliatory strike, but reports from the region indicated heightened alert levels in Kuwait, where US forces are stationed, with air defence systems reportedly intercepting incoming projectiles.
The conflict, which escalated earlier this year, has had far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to global energy markets after tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns over supply flows. Oil prices rose by around 2% in Asian trading as investors reacted to the renewed instability and stalled negotiations.
US President Donald Trump urged critics of the talks to remain patient, insisting that diplomacy would ultimately succeed. In a late-night post, he repeated his view that Iran is interested in a deal, while dismissing what he called “negative chirping” from political opponents.
At the centre of the negotiations remain long-standing disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and access to frozen oil revenues held in foreign banks. Tehran continues to deny it seeks nuclear weapons.
Regional dynamics have further complicated the process, particularly Israel’s military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which Iran supports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered further troop movements into Lebanese territory, while US officials continue to push proposals for gradual de-escalation between Israel and Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Iran’s domestic situation has also drawn attention after authorities executed two men convicted over their involvement in unrest linked to protests in early 2026, underscoring continued internal tensions alongside external conflict.
With diplomatic channels strained and military exchanges continuing, prospects for a comprehensive settlement remain uncertain.
