Iranian officials have stated that diplomacy is the only means to resolve the country's conflicts with the US and Israel. This comes after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and cease hostilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Tehran is committed to its conditions for reopening the strategic waterway.
Araghchi noted that Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are clear, and any step towards this goal is contingent upon meeting these conditions. He stressed that Iran will not back down from its demands, which have been conveyed to mediators and subsequently to the US side. The Iranian government maintains that a negotiated solution, based on fairness and justice, is the only viable way forward.
According to Araghchi, Iran has received an initial response from President Trump regarding its proposal but is still awaiting a definitive answer through mediators. Tehran is prepared to make a decision based on the US response. The Iranian government has not closed the door to diplomacy and negotiations but remains committed to protecting its rights.
The spokesperson for the Iranian Army, Mohammad Akrami Nia, warned that the US may launch a new attack due to its unfavorable regional position. He stated that Iran is prepared for confrontation and would inflict significant damage on the US. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had seized a sophisticated US drone, a Remus 600, in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian authority responsible for managing the Strait of Hormuz issued a warning to ships against using unauthorized routes in the region. The authority cautioned that such actions could result in severe consequences, including financial losses and risks to human life, and may restrict future passage through the strait.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Mnuchin announced that envoys have been dispatched to countries worldwide to urge them to take action against Iran as part of the US-led economic pressure campaign. He highlighted new restrictions targeting Iranian banks and airlines, citing cooperation from countries such as Turkey and the UAE.
In the US, some Republican lawmakers contesting tight races have joined calls to end the Iran war, with 17 Republicans supporting measures to restrict Trump's war powers or publicly advocating for an end to hostilities. Meanwhile, a US official reported that Washington is engaged in "positive and constructive" talks with Iran through mediators, covering various topics including the nuclear issue.
Key points
- Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain a major point of contention with the US.
- The US has launched a diplomatic effort to pressure countries into taking action against Iran.
- Some Republican lawmakers in the US are calling for an end to the Iran war.
