Iran blames mistrust, Israeli attacks for slow progress in US talks

Iran on Monday said that progress toward resolving tensions with the United States remains slow due to deep mistrust, inconsistent messages from Washington, and ongoing Israeli military actions across the region. Speaking at a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that talks between Tehran and Washington are taking place in an atmosphere marked by skepticism and a lack of confidence. He noted that while communication continues, no final agreement has been reached. According to Baghaei, shifting positions and changing demands from the U.S. side have complicated the process. He argued that such inconsistencies naturally delay negotiations and make it harder to achieve meaningful progress. He further said that if the mixed signals from Washington are intended as a negotiating strategy, Iran does not consider them effective. However, if they reflect disagreements within the U.S. administration, he urged American officials to adopt a clear and unified position. Baghaei also linked regional developments to the ongoing discussions, saying Iran sees Israeli military operations, including those in Lebanon, as closely connected to U.S. policies. He stressed that any broader arrangement aimed at reducing regional tensions must include full implementation of the ceasefire in Lebanon. His remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military to resume attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area known as Dahiyeh and considered a stronghold of Hezbollah. On the nuclear issue, Baghaei said detailed negotiations have not yet begun. He emphasized that one of Iran’s key priorities remains securing access to funds that have been frozen abroad. The spokesperson also accused Washington of breaching the ceasefire through strikes on Iran’s southern regions, arguing that such actions only deepen distrust. He maintained that Iran has the right to respond under the principle of self-defense when faced with such attacks. The Unite