Iran ready for talks or confrontation, says Foreign Minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran is as prepared for negotiations as it is for confrontation, adding that the country seeks a diplomatic solution rather than war. In a television interview, Araghchi expressed surprise at the US rejection of Iran's recent proposals.

He also commented that Iran has no interest in the upcoming US midterm elections and that the country's top priority remains the protection of its national interests.

Further details have emerged regarding the diplomatic standoff between the United States and Iran. While rejecting Tehran's latest proposal, a US official noted that a similar deal might have been acceptable a year ago.

In a sign of ongoing activity in the region, a record amount of oil reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, with the US military said to be assisting the passage of tankers. Alongside Pakistan's reported involvement, Qatar and other regional countries are also said to be attempting to mediate and restore negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

The United States has rejected a proposal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with a top US official dismissing the offer as “cynical” and a “non-starter.”

According to reports, Iran’s plan, presented at the United Nations by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, called for the reopening of the key waterway in exchange for the release of frozen Iranian assets, the lifting of sanctions on its oil, and an end to the US naval blockade.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz described the proposal as an attempt by Iran to get sanctions lifted “just to talk.”

Former US President Donald Trump also rejected the deal, stating that Iranian leaders wanted it because “they are losing so badly.” He further claimed that the US already has “full control” over the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that oil prices would fall rapidly if Iran “lays down its arms.”

In a separate statement, Trump also warned of a possible attack on Iran after the US midterm elections.

Responding to the US rejection, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi denounced what he called “old, unproved accusations” and stated that Iran was only asking for its rights to be respected. He expressed a pessimistic outlook on the prospect of a deal.