Above photo: AFP.
Strait open to all nations ‘except those waging war’ on Tehran.
Abbas Araghchi said ‘contradictory messages’ from Washington have hardened Tehran’s position.
On 15 May, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to vessels except those “at war” with Tehran, and stressed that Iran has “no trust” in the US regarding negotiations.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi during a BRICS foreign ministers meeting, Araghchi said Tehran would only negotiate with Washington if it proves “serious.”
Iran says it has ‘no trust’ in US as peace talks stall
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Iran has “no trust” in the US and is willing to negotiate with Washington only if it demonstrates seriousness, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday.Speaking to reporters in New Delhi during a visit for… pic.twitter.com/wNgeijV3hQ
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 15, 2026
He described the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as “very complicated,” as both the US and Iran enforce competing restrictions on maritime traffic, with each side allowing or blocking vessels based on their ties to the opposing side.
Pakistani-mediated talks have stalled after Tehran and Washington rejected each other’s latest proposals, with Araghchi saying “contradictory messages” from the US have made the process more difficult.
The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran is working to preserve the ceasefire “to give diplomacy a chance,” while remaining ready to resume fighting if attacked, identifying Iran’s nuclear program and authority over Hormuz as central points of contention in the talks.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump met in Beijing on 14 May, where both leaders called for more stable US–China ties and discussed Taiwan, trade, and the situation in West Asia.
Both sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open for energy flows, as the waterway remains closed to Washington and Tel Aviv after their war on Iran.
Araghchi responded by welcoming the diplomatic push from Beijing, emphasizing their importance as a strategic partner, adding, “we know that the Chinese have good intentions.”
The Iranian foreign minister had previously emphasized in a post on X that “As far as we are concerned, the Strait of Hormuz is open for all commercial vessels,” and that “ We have not made any obstacles. It is Americans who have made a blockade.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Strait of Hormuz: ”As far as we are concerned, the Strait of Hormuz is open for all commercial vessels, but they need to cooperate with our Navy forces. We have not made any obstacles. It is Americans who have made a blockade.”
— Commentary Syed Abbas Araghchi (@Araghchhi) May 14, 2026
The US-Israeli war on Iran has brought shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to a near halt, even as Iran continues to allow some friendly countries to transit, including China, India, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan.
🇨🇳 A Chinese-flagged oil tanker just sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, past the U.S. Navy blockade line, and nobody stopped it.
The YUAN HUA HU crossed using Iran’s designated route and is now heading to Zhoushan, China.
Why it matters: intercepting a Chinese-flagged vessel… https://t.co/Q5LA0wm4nY pic.twitter.com/uATVzpDCqv
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 15, 2026
Passage is conditional on coordination with Iranian naval forces, adherence to designated corridors, and the use of non-dollar currencies such as the Chinese yuan.
EU states in ‘direct talks’ with Iran for safe Hormuz passage: Report
The talks come following the failure of US-led plans that sought force Iran to give up control of the key waterway.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) network reported on 16 May that several European governments have opened direct channels with Tehran to discuss safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
IRIB did not name the European states involved but said the talks are focused on securing approval for direct transit from IRGC Navy commanders who enforce Iran’s control over the strategic waterway.
The move comes as the strait remains closed to US and Israeli-aligned vessels, while commercial fleets from China, Japan, Pakistan, and other states deemed non-hostile have already secured safe passage through direct talks with Tehran.
As the US fails to resolve the crisis caused by its war of aggression, European governments are adjusting to Iran’s growing influence over the waterway, gradually reducing their reliance on Washington’s coercive tactics.
European capitals open direct negotiations with Iranian navy to secure passage through Strait of Hormuz
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European maritime capitals have initiated direct contact with Tehran to secure passage through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, according to a report broadcast by IRIB today.… pic.twitter.com/N6PwkbCGnP— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 16, 2026
On Friday, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the UN warned that Washington is using a Bahrain-led resolution at the UN Security Council (UNSC) on “freedom of navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz to legitimize its aggression against Tehran and to prepare the ground for further military escalation.
“It is now crystal clear that the US is seeking to exploit the number of the so-called co-sponsors of its politically motivated and one-sided draft resolution to manufacture a false image of ‘broad international support’ for its ongoing unlawful actions and to pave the way for further military adventurism in the region,” the Iranian mission wrote via social media.
It is now crystal clear that the U.S. is seeking to exploit the number of the so-called co-sponsors of its politically motivated and one-sided draft resolution to manufacture a false image of “broad international support” for its ongoing unlawful actions and to pave the way for…
— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) May 15, 2026
The US and Bahrain put forward the draft alongside Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, presenting it as a measure on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran warned that any state backing the resolution would bear responsibility if Washington moves toward further escalation.
“Should the US trigger any new escalation, all co-sponsoring States will share international responsibility alongside Washington for the consequences,” the UN mission said, adding that “No political excuse or diplomatic cover can absolve them of responsibility for facilitating, enabling, and legitimizing US aggression.”
The draft has reportedly gained 112 co-sponsors. However, China’s UN ambassador said Beijing believes “the content is not right, and the timing is not right,” adding that such a resolution would not help efforts to push both sides toward “serious and good-faith negotiations.”
China’s foreign ministry also voiced frustration over the US-Israeli war against Iran, saying, “This conflict, which should never have happened, has no reason to continue.”
Reuters reported that the draft is likely to face opposition from China and Russia if brought to a vote, after both countries vetoed a similar US-backed resolution last month.
On Saturday, The New York Times reported that Trump is weighing renewed strikes on Iran, with Pentagon officials preparing escalation plans despite US intelligence assessments that Tehran has regained access to most of its missile sites, launchers, and underground facilities.
