Iran is a victim of illegal expansionism and war mongering, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told foreign leaders during a BRICS meeting on Thursday, as talks on ending the war remain on hold.
"By now, it ought to be clear that Iran is unbreakable and only emerges stronger and more united when under pressure," he said, adding that Iran is ready to fight with everything it has "in defense of our freedom and our soil."
He also claimed that Tehran is ready to "pursue and defend diplomacy," arguing that Iran reciprocates the language of respect. "As much as our powerful armed forces are ready to exact devastating retribution on foreign aggressors, my people are peace-loving and do not seek war. We are not aggressors in this sordid situation, but aggrieved," he claimed.
Araghchi called on BRICS countries to work towards ending the sense of impunity that the US believes it is entitled to, which he claimed "has no place in today's world."
'Free, stable, and just world'
The foreign minister also said that he speaks for the people, who, "under horrific bombardment, chose to withstand fear... and for a nation that, despite all pressures, continues to believe in a free, stable, and just world."
"In the face of horrific violence, the Iranian people have firmly and proudly stood up for themselves," he added.
He also said the US and Israeli attacks on Iran have been justified by "false claims" made by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"If the retreat from our ideal of independence is surrendered to the will and whims of imperial power, the answer is clear. We did not, and never will," he asserted.
Tehran has 'no trust' in US, said Araghchi
On Friday, Araghchi said that Tehran has "no trust" in the US and is interested in negotiating with Washington only if it is serious.
All vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz except those at war with Tehran, Araghchi told reporters in New Delhi during a visit to attend the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, adding that vessels wanting to transit should coordinate with its navy.
The situation around the key conduit was "very complicated," he said.
Iran effectively shut the strait, which earlier handled about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supply, to most shipping traffic after its war with the US and Israel erupted in February.
Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire last month but have been struggling to thrash out a permanent peace pact. Talks, mediated by Pakistan, have been suspended since Iran and the US each rejected the other's most recent proposals last week.
"Contradictory messages" have made us reluctant about the real intention of the Americans on negotiations, Araghchi said, adding that the mediation process by Pakistan has not failed but is in "difficulty."
Iran trying to keep ceasefire, give diplomacy a chance, willing to return to conflict, Araghchi claims
Iran is trying to keep the ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance but is also prepared to go back to fighting, he said.
The issues holding up negotiations between the two sides include Iran's nuclear ambitions and its control of the Hormuz.
Araghchi's statement on Friday came hours after US President Donald Trump said his patience with Iran was running out and agreed in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping that Tehran must reopen the strait.