Iran says negotiations, not military action, are needed to end US conflict

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said negotiations based on justice and fairness are the only route to ending his country’s conflict with the United States, while warning that any renewed military confrontation would draw a stronger response. Araghchi made the comments on Sunday at a gathering of foreign ambassadors, according to AFP. He said neither military action nor additional sanctions could provide a solution.

His remarks came as talks between Tehran and Washington appeared to be at an impasse. A campaign of heavy bombardment by the United States and Israel, launched in late February, had not brought the conflict to a decisive conclusion. Washington has more recently reduced military operations while increasing economic pressure.

The two sides agreed a memorandum of understanding in June intended to provide a framework for a permanent settlement. The arrangement later collapsed, largely because of disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has sought to control the vital shipping route since the war began and has attacked vessels attempting to pass through it without authorisation, the report said.

Iranian officials held indirect discussions with US officials on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week. Tehran said it presented seven conditions for reopening the strait. US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal but left open the possibility of further talks as well as renewed military operations.

The United States has not carried out a strike on Iran since September 1. Axios reported that senior members of Trump’s Cabinet met on Friday to discuss the Iran war and the conflict in Yemen, where Tehran-backed Houthi forces have been fighting government troops and attacking Saudi Arabia.