Tehran is “cautiously optimistic” about its negotiations on ending hostilities with the United States, the Iranian ambassador to the UN has said, expressing hope for a “meaningful outcome”.

“Despite our deep mistrust of the United States, stemming from its repeated betrayal of diplomacy, we nevertheless entered the negotiations in good faith and remain cautiously optimistic,” Amir Saeid Iravani has told a meeting of the UN General Assembly.

He adds that if Washington adopts “a rational and constructive approach … these negotiations can lead to a meaningful outcome.”