Iran cites mistrust of the US behind delaying diplomacy to end war

DUBAI - A delay in the diplomatic process to end the US-Iran war can be explained by a lack of trust, Washington's contradictory positions and Israel's attacks on Lebanon, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

"Negotiations have started amid severe suspicion and mistrust, and the exchange of messages is taking place in this atmosphere," Baghaei said.

"The other party is constantly changing its views and putting forward new or contradictory demands (...) it is natural that this situation will prolong negotiations," he said, adding that Tehran viewed Israeli actions in the region, including in Lebanon, as inseparable from the US.