Tehran: Iran's top diplomat has expressed Tehran's readiness to return to the negotiating table with the United States, contingent upon a change in Washington's approach. Iran's state-owned international broadcaster, PressTV, reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the need for the US to cease its "excessive approach" and "threatening rhetoric."

According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi provided updates to his counterparts in Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Azerbaijan, outlining the current status of the fragile diplomatic process. He reiterated that Iran did not initiate the war and assured that its armed forces are prepared to defend against any renewed military threats. Araghchi highlighted Iran's participation in recent Pakistani-mediated talks, despite deep-rooted skepticism towards Washington, which he attributes to repeated failures in honoring previous commitments.

The conflict saw US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, leading to Tehran's retaliation against US allies in the Gulf and subsequently, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was brokered on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by discussions in Islamabad on April 11-12, though no agreement was reached.

US President Donald Trump later extended the truce unilaterally, at Pakistan's request, without specifying a new timeline. On Thursday, Iran submitted a new proposal to Pakistan, aiming to resume negotiations with the US to reach a resolution to the ongoing conflict.