Iran warns Washington that pressure 'doesn't work'

Iran warned the United States on Friday that "pressure doesn't work" against the Islamic republic, calling on Washington to honour its commitments after six months of conflict between the two sworn enemies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the statement on X, a day after meeting Qatar's foreign minister in Tehran.

Why does Iran say pressure doesn't work on the US?

Araghchi argues that diplomacy can resume only if Washington accepts that pressure achieves nothing. He wrote that "putting diplomacy back on track isn't impossible," but said progress hinges on the US recognising this before talks can move forward. His comments followed weeks of stalled negotiations between the two countries.

The Middle East war began in late February with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which retaliated mainly against Washington's regional allies and shut the strategic Strait of Hormuz. An April ceasefire ended nearly 40 days of intense fighting. Sporadic attacks near the Strait have since dimmed hopes for a lasting peace deal.

What role is Qatar playing in the talks?

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran this week in an effort to revive the diplomatic track.

His visit came as the United States increased economic pressure on Iran, a country already under decades of international sanctions. Tehran has separately been holding talks with Oman on the future of the Strait of Hormuz for several weeks.

What is Iran's condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran insists the Strait will stay closed until Washington fulfils its commitments under the June memorandum of understanding. That agreement calls for lifting the US counter-blockade of Iranian ports and removing sanctions.

"The US should build trust, speak respectfully, acknowledge our rights, and uphold commitments," Araghchi said.