Iranian President Pezeshkian said Iran no longer trusts negotiations with Washington, arguing that the United States follows talks with attacks and sanctions. Qatar and Pakistan are mediating between the two countries and relaying Tehran’s messages to Washington. Pezeshkian said discussions rely on a previously signed memorandum of understanding (document recording an understanding between two parties) and that the United States must state its position on it. He blamed Washington for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz (strategic passage at the Persian Gulf’s entrance), calling the move a natural response to blocked access. Pezeshkian said the crisis can be resolved through negotiations rather than force, and that the waterway will remain open to trade if talks settle the dispute.