US delusions undermine American policy, says Iranian foreign minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized US policy toward Tehran, claiming American "delusions" and unrealistic expectations have caused policy failures. He compared current Secretary of State Marco Rubio's rhetoric to that of former official Mike Pompeo, calling both approaches inhumane and misguided. Araghchi's comments came as President Donald Trump reportedly chose a third option in the Iran conflict: intensifying economic pressure rather than resuming military strikes or accepting a peace deal. Rubio told G7 foreign ministers that Washington would maintain its pressure campaign and tighten financial restrictions, arguing Tehran is damaging its own economy by rejecting US conditions. The strategy, backed by Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and adviser Jared Kushner, includes a naval blockade and an operation called 'Iron Gate' targeting smuggling routes. However, regional partners including Turkey, Pakistan, and Iraq reportedly harbor concerns about indefinite financial strangulation over a negotiated settlement.