'India Can Play A Greater Role': Iran Says Delhi Can Help Bring Peace To West Asia

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 23:16 IST

Iran FM Abbas Araghchi urges India to play a greater peace role in West Asia, blames US mistrust for stalled talks, offers to resume oil exports and backs Chabahar Port development

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday said India could play a “greater role" in bringing peace to West Asia due to its strong relations with nearly all countries in the region, as concerns grow over the economic fallout of the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi during his three-day visit for the BRICS foreign ministers’ conclave, Araghchi welcomed any constructive Indian role in easing tensions.

“I think India, with its good reputation, can play a greater role in this region to help bring peace and promote peace and security," Araghchi said.

Also Read: Negotiation Will Proceed Once Iran Feels US Is Fair And Balanced: Tehran’s FM Araghchi To News18

“We will appreciate any positive and constructive role played by India in this region," he added.

His remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Abu Dhabi that India was ready to extend all possible support to restore peace in the region.

‘Main Obstacle Is Lack Of Trust In America’: Araghchi

Araghchi sharply criticised Washington over the conflict and said mistrust remains the biggest hurdle preventing diplomatic progress between Tehran and the United States.

In response to a question from News18 India journalist Niraj Kumar on what was stopping negotiations from succeeding, Araghchi said contradictory signals from Washington had deepened Iranian scepticism.

“The most important issue is mistrust and lack of trust. Another problem is contradictory messages, which has made us reluctant about the real intention of Americans for this negotiation. We have doubts about their seriousness," he said.

Araghchi added that Iran would only move forward if convinced that the US genuinely wanted a fair agreement.

“The moment we feel they are serious and they are ready for a fair and balanced deal, then we proceed for the course of negotiation," he said.

The Iranian minister further said: “We have no trust for Americans. This is a fact. This is the main obstacle in the way of any diplomatic efforts."

‘Prepared For War And Diplomacy’

Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of launching an “unprovoked aggression" against Iran while negotiations were underway.

“Iran has been the victim of an act of unprovoked aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime," he said.

Despite expressing optimism for diplomacy, Araghchi warned Iran remains prepared for renewed conflict.

“As a diplomat, I’m optimistic that a diplomatic solution can prevail, but we shouldn’t ignore the possibility of going back to a full-scale war," he said.

“We are prepared to go back to fighting… and we are also ready for diplomacy."

Strait Of Hormuz, Energy Markets Discussed With India

The Iranian foreign minister said he held discussions with PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on several issues including the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

“Our positions are more or less close and we have same concerns and same interests in this important region," Araghchi said.

He described the situation around the Strait of Hormuz as “very complicated" and said Tehran was trying to ensure ships passed safely.

The waterway remains critical because nearly 20% of global petroleum supplies move through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s blockade has disrupted energy markets worldwide.

Iran Offers To Resume Oil Exports To India

Araghchi also said Tehran was willing to restart energy ties with India and supply oil if New Delhi decides to resume purchases.

“India has been a customer of Iranian oil in the past," he said, adding that imports stopped because of US sanctions.

“We are ready to sell our energy to India," Araghchi said.

Before sanctions intensified, bilateral trade between India and Iran exceeded USD 20 billion annually, according to the minister.

Chabahar Port Remains On Agenda

Araghchi expressed hope that India would continue developing the strategically important Chabahar Port project despite uncertainty over US sanctions exemptions.

The port has been viewed as a major connectivity project linking India with Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan.

The minister suggested trade volumes between the two countries could quickly recover if sanctions were eventually lifted.

The remarks underline Iran’s effort to keep diplomatic and economic channels with India open even as conflict in West Asia continues to reshape regional alliances and global energy markets.

News india 'India Can Play A Greater Role': Iran Says Delhi Can Help Bring Peace To West Asia

Read More