Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday sharply criticized the United States for its approach to the Middle East, accusing Washington of a double standard in its foreign policy.
“The US backed Israel’s Gaza blockade, cutting aid under ‘security’ claims, yet condemns Iran for defending itself in the Strait of Hormuz. Double standard Israel’s crimes are OK, while Iran’s defense against aggressors is condemned. International law is not a tool of convenience,” Araghchi said on X.
Araghchi also stressed that Iran is not currently negotiating with the US to end the war and has no intention of doing so, contradicting claims from US officials that talks are “ongoing” and “productive.”
The statement comes after the US had presented a 15-point plan to Tehran, which Iranian diplomats described as “extremely maximalist and unreasonable.”
Araghchi referenced a five-point counter-proposal from Iran, reiterating the country’s core positions.
The ongoing conflict began on February 28, when US and Israeli air strikes triggered broader hostilities, prompting Iran to target American allies in the Gulf.
Araghchi emphasised that while the U.S. has been channeling proposals through mediators, no direct negotiations are underway.
The divergence in narratives comes as U.S. officials continue to claim that talks are “ongoing” and “productive.” The war, which erupted on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli air strikes, has since escalated with Iran targeting American allies in the Gulf region.
