Published On 4/28/2026
Ali Safri, advisor to the spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that his country suffers from a lack of trust with the United States, but it has engaged in a diplomatic path “based on good faith” to discuss and solve the problems existing between the two parties.
He explained in statements to Al Jazeera Mubasher that a large part of these problems did not exist before the outbreak of war, but rather came as a result of “American attacks,” including the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that Tehran submitted several proposals at the request of the mediators, in addition to receiving American proposals and other initiatives.
Great flexibility
He stressed that his country showed “great flexibility” in these negotiations, stressing that the transfer of messages between Tehran and Washington is still continuing, and that “the ball is in the American court,” and the United States must decide either to continue the policy of pressure or to engage in the diplomatic track.
Safri pointed out that communications between Tehran and Washington continue through indirect channels, stressing that it is not possible to negotiate through the media. He added that no decision has yet been taken regarding holding a new round of negotiations, including in Islamabad.
He explained that the messages exchanged between the two sides relate to various files, including the Iranian nuclear program, how to end the war, in addition to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Tehran is following up on these messages and responding to them based on its national and regional interests.
Lebanese Front
Regarding the nuclear file, he said that he was part of these negotiations, but the “priority” was to find a way to end the war, explaining that the two sides exchanged views on the nuclear file to reach a just result.
He stressed that his country cannot talk about a ceasefire unless there is a comprehensive cessation of American and Israeli attacks on all fronts, including the Lebanese front, stressing that these attacks are interconnected and must all stop.
Safri considered that US President Donald Trump’s statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz were conflicting and cannot be trusted, stressing that Iran did not close the Strait, but rather took security measures.
He also considered that any American measures targeting Iranian ships or ports represent a “violation of international laws,” noting that these steps reflect an inability to achieve military goals, and that Iran will not leave such measures without a response.
