[Iran States It Will Continue Negotiations Amid 'Strong Distrust of the U.S.'] Golden Finance reported on May 21 that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei made remarks on the evening of May 20 local time regarding U.S.-Iran relations, the security of the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. pressure on Iran. He emphasized that Iran will continue negotiations amid 'strong distrust of the U.S.' while firmly safeguarding national interests. Baghaei stated that Iran is currently exchanging information with the U.S. through intermediaries in Pakistan. Tehran's core demands include ending regional conflicts, unfreezing Iran's overseas assets, and halting 'maritime piracy' targeting Iranian shipping. He noted that despite the negative record of U.S. actions over the past year and a half, Iran is still advancing the diplomatic process with a 'serious and goodwill' attitude, though maintaining 'strong and reasonable distrust' toward the U.S.