Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that only a negotiated solution can resolve the conflict with the US and Israel. He emphasized that any move to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on meeting certain conditions. This comes after US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting. Araqchi posted on social media that Iran's conditions are clear.
The Iranian peace proposal was announced last week at the UN General Assembly in New York and transmitted to the Americans via Qatari mediators. Trump rejected the plan, saying that desperation was driving the Iranians' push for an agreement on the key waterway. He argued that the Iranians want to make a deal to open the Hormuz Strait immediately because they are losing badly. However, Trump also kept the door to diplomacy open, saying he expects US negotiators to engage in more talks this week.
Araqchi said that mediators facilitating Tehran's talks with Washington had not officially relayed a US rejection of the plan. He stated that Iran is waiting for the mediators to convey the definitive views to them and will make a decision based on them. The US has imposed an economic blockade on Iran to pressure Tehran to stop Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade has drastically reduced shipping through the area.
The commander-in-chief of Iran's army, Amir Hatam, said the war is at a critical and decisive stage. He added that Tehran will not accept a situation in which it is unable to trade while foreign powers use the region's strategic waterways. Hatam stated that if Iran cannot trade or live, no one will be able to trade or live. This comes as previous attempts at diplomacy have failed to end the war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The conflict has alternated between pauses and renewed strikes, killing thousands and degrading Iran's conventional forces and economy. Iran and its allies have responded by extending the conflict throughout the region. Iran has struck US allies in the Gulf with drones and missiles, while its Houthi allies in Yemen have hit Saudi interests. Saudi Arabia has been drawn deeper into the war this month as Houthi fighters have advanced in Yemen.
The Houthi-run health ministry in Yemen said seven people were killed and 40 wounded, including children, in a strike on shops at a market in Taiz province. The internationally recognized government of Yemen said its forces had targeted a Houthi military camp and vehicles at the same junction. The conflict has disrupted oil flows and harmed the global economy. Araqchi told reporters at the UN that the proposed deal would trigger a seven-day countdown to reopening the strait and a pause in regional fighting.
US envoy to the United Nations Mike Waltz said that Trump rejected the Iranian proposal because it required the immediate lifting of sanctions and release of frozen assets. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is ready for talks on its nuclear programme and other issues but will not accept bullying or coercion. He stated that Iran is not seeking war but will defend itself against pressure, threats, and attacks.
Key points
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that only a negotiated solution can resolve the conflict with the US and Israel.
- US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end fighting.
- The conflict between Iran and the US has disrupted oil flows and harmed the global economy.
