Agencies | Tehran:
Iran and the United States traded sharp accusations on Tuesday as indirect diplomatic contacts continued over efforts to end the conflict and reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has accused US President Donald Trump of misleading the American public, while calling on Americans to reconsider Washington’s Middle East policies.
In a 25-page letter addressed to the American people, the IRGC urged a change in US foreign policy, particularly over Washington’s support for Israel and its military involvement in the region. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi described Trump as an untrustworthy leader and said the US would ultimately have to leave the Middle East.
The comments came as diplomatic efforts continued through regional mediators to find a way out of the prolonged conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had held further indirect discussions with the United States through Qatari mediators in New York.
Araghchi said the discussions had become more serious following Iran’s proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He said Qatari mediators would convey the ideas discussed with Tehran to Washington and that Iran expected a response from the US.
Iran’s proposal links the reopening of the waterway to measures including an end to the US naval blockade and sanctions relief. Tehran has also sought the release of frozen Iranian funds, while broader negotiations would address its nuclear programme.
Washington, however, has insisted that any agreement must address Iran’s nuclear activities. A US official described the indirect discussions as constructive but said significant differences remained over the timing and sequencing of commitments.
Trump has separately denied reports that his administration offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for progress on its nuclear programme.
Reports by Axios and CNN had said Washington was open to such measures under certain conditions. Trump rejected the reports, saying he had offered Tehran nothing.
The conflicting accounts highlight the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing mediation efforts, with Tehran seeking sanctions relief and an end to the blockade while Washington continues to press for commitments on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments, has remained at the centre of the confrontation.
Iran has proposed a phased process under which restrictions could be eased and the waterway reopened before broader negotiations on a longer-term agreement begin. Araghchi said the Iranian proposal envisages several measures being implemented within days, followed by negotiations on the nuclear issue.
The continued uncertainty over the waterway has disrupted regional trade and energy markets and added to concerns over the wider economic impact of the conflict.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a visit to Abu Dhabi over the weekend.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of wider regional diplomatic efforts and continuing tensions linked to the conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States.
With indirect talks continuing through Qatar and Pakistan, the immediate focus remains on whether Washington and Tehran can bridge their differences over sanctions, Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
