Tehran (TDI): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that United States’ “maximalist demands,” confrontational rhetoric, and lack of sincerity are the main obstacles preventing diplomatic progress and a lasting end to the ongoing conflict.
According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Araghchi made the remarks during talks in Tehran with Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik.
During the meeting, the Iranian foreign minister also confirmed that Tehran is consulting on new regulations concerning the Strait of Hormuz in line with international law. His comments further reinforced recent signals from Iranian officials that the country intends to establish a revised legal framework governing the strategically important waterway.
The Norwegian deputy foreign minister stressed the importance of achieving long-term peace and stability in the region and expressed Norway’s willingness to support diplomatic efforts, maritime security consultations, and environmental cooperation.
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Separately, Iran rejected accusations linked to the detention of Iranian nationals by Kuwaiti authorities. According to Iranian state media, Tehran said the individuals had entered Kuwaiti territorial waters unintentionally during a routine maritime patrol mission after experiencing a navigation system malfunction.
Iran’s foreign ministry criticized what it called “baseless claims” and urged Kuwait to address the matter through official diplomatic channels. Tehran also requested consular access to the detained individuals and called for their immediate release in accordance with international legal standards.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, condemned the reported incident, describing it as a violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and criticizing what it termed an infiltration attempt by members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran’s ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, also outlined Tehran’s diplomatic engagement with Beijing following the escalation of the US-Israel conflict involving Iran.
The ambassador said China had played a role in keeping diplomatic channels open through consultations with regional countries, support for peace initiatives involving Pakistan, and proposals advanced by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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He said Iran’s long-term strategic partnership with China extends beyond economics and reflects Tehran’s broader vision for its role in a changing international order. He added that ties with Beijing provide Iran with diplomatic and strategic alternatives in the face of Western pressure.
