Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor, within 48 hours if the US agrees to its demands. A senior Iranian official stated that the offer shows "good faith" and that Tehran is willing to restore security to the strait and resume negotiations with the US. The strait, which carries one-fifth of global oil consumption, has been blockaded by Iran since the war started in February, causing energy prices to soar.
The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, told reporters that messages are being exchanged with the US via mediators, and that everything depends on the US side accepting Iranian demands. Iran's demands include ending the war on all fronts, unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting oil sanctions, and ending the US counter-blockade of Iranian ports. Baqaei stated that only then can Iran discuss subsequent stages.
US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, stating that he will give them "the hammer" if they do not comply with US demands. During a rally for midterm elections, Trump struck a belligerent tone, saying that the only reason he is not finished with Iran is that he wants to be nice and try to save lives. However, he also stated that at some point, the US will have to take action against Iran.
Diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war have been underway, with officials from Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey holding talks with Iran in recent days. US Vice President JD Vance also sent a letter to Tehran, and Oman's ruler, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, discussed the war with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to Beijing. The two leaders called for resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, told a senior Iranian official that Beijing supports Tehran in safeguarding its sovereignty and security. Wang stated that all parties should focus on a political solution rather than resorting to armed conflict. The Iranian official, Ali Bagheri Kani, told Wang that Tehran's stance on defending its national security and sovereignty remains unchanged.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US must accept a new route agreed between Iran and Oman for transiting the strait. He also stated that the US must remove sanctions imposed in recent months and reduce American troop numbers in the region. The US has rolled out a fresh raft of sanctions, part of what it calls "economic asphyxiation" of Iran.
Iran has warned that any renewed war with the US could last longer than the previous round of fighting. The country has also stated that any act of aggression against Iran will be met with a powerful, immediate, and comprehensive response. Diplomatic efforts to end the war continue, with a focus on preventing further conflict and achieving a peaceful resolution.
Key points
- Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours if US agrees to conditions
- US and Iran engage in diplomatic efforts to end Middle East war
- Iran warns of powerful response to any US aggression
