Iran wants to reach a “peaceful” nuclear agreement with the United States to resolve a decades-long dispute, but will not compromise its national security, the deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said on Tuesday.

The United States, its European allies and Israel accuse Tehran of using its nuclear programme as a veil for efforts to try to develop the capability to produce weapons. Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

In October, President Donald Trump said the United States was prepared to make a deal with Iran when Tehran was ready to do so, adding, “The hand of friendship and cooperation (with Iran) is open.”

Speaking at the 12th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate, Khatibzadeh said Washington was sending Tehran contradictory messages about nuclear talks through third countries.

The two nations held five rounds of nuclear talks prior to a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June, which Washington joined by striking key Iranian nuclear sites, read the report.

Repeating Tehran’s view, Khatibzadeh accused Washington of “betraying diplomacy” and the nuclear talks have stopped since the June war.

Major gaps remain between the two sides such as the issue of uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, which the United States wants to cut to zero to minimise any risk of weaponisation, a plan Tehran has rejected.

Last week, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the last say on key state matters, such as foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, ruled out negotiations with the United States under threat, Reuters reported.

“Tehran is not seeking nuclear bombs and … is prepared to assure the world about it. We are very proud of our home-grown nuclear programme,” Khatibzadeh said.

A powerful car bomb exploded outside a district court in Pakistan’s capital on Tuesday, killing at least five people and injuring 13 others, state-run media reported.

According to Pakistan Television (PTV), most of the casualties were passersby or individuals arriving for court hearings. The blast also damaged several vehicles parked outside the court, which is normally crowded with visitors.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos following the explosion. Emergency teams, including police and paramedics, rushed to the site, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. The force of the blast shattered windows and left debris scattered across the street.

Islamabad police have not yet issued a detailed statement but confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Authorities have cordoned off the area and deployed security personnel while forensic teams assess the scene.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident comes amid a period of heightened security concerns in the country, following a recent increase in militant activity in some regions.

Officials said a joint team from Islamabad Police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), and intelligence agencies is investigating the blast to determine its cause and identify those responsible.

The death toll from Monday evening’s car explosion near the historic Red Fort has risen to 13, with more than 30 others injured, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The blast struck a busy area in Old Delhi, a major tourist and commercial hub, sending thick smoke and debris into the streets. Several vehicles were set ablaze, windows shattered, and bystanders caught in the blast suffered severe injuries.

Delhi police said the explosion occurred around 6:42 p.m. local time when a slow-moving car stopped near a traffic light outside the Red Fort. Emergency services responded immediately, extinguishing fires and transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals.

Relatives of victims described harrowing scenes at hospitals, with some having to identify their loved ones among the casualties. One man told local media that his nephew, an e-rickshaw driver, was killed in the blast.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Bhutan, called the attack “horrific” and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh assured the public that the findings of the investigation would be made public once available.

The Red Fort will remain closed to visitors for three days to allow investigators to conduct a thorough probe. Lal Qila Metro Station has also been temporarily shut, and the Chandni Chowk market is closed as authorities review security measures.

A joint investigation is underway, led by Delhi police, the National Security Guard, the National Investigation Agency, and forensic teams. Authorities have not yet determined the cause or identified the perpetrators, though the incident is being treated as a deliberate attack.

Security has been heightened across Delhi and neighboring states, with increased patrols at government buildings, heritage sites, and transportation hubs. The US embassy has advised Americans in the city to avoid the area and large gatherings.

Monday’s blast, one of the deadliest in Delhi in recent years, has left the city on high alert as investigators continue their work.