Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States cannot be resolved through military action or additional sanctions, as efforts to end the war appear to have reached a deadlock.
Araghchi made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a gathering of foreign ambassadors, where he warned that Tehran would respond forcefully if Washington or its allies resumed military confrontation.
“If our enemies again choose the path of military confrontation, our response will be stronger than before, and we will defend ourselves with even more force,” Araghchi said.
He maintained that further military action or economic pressure would not provide a lasting solution to the conflict.
“There is no military solution, nor any solution based on new sanctions,” he said, adding that “only negotiations based on justice and fairness” could bring the conflict to an end.
The latest comments come after months of fighting and failed attempts to establish a lasting agreement between Tehran and Washington.
The United States and Israel launched the war against Iran in late February, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks. The conflict has also had a major impact on shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Dispute Over Strait of Hormuz
Iran and the United States had reached a memorandum of understanding in June intended to provide a framework for a permanent settlement, but the arrangement later collapsed, with disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz becoming a major sticking point.
Iran has sought to control access through the strategic waterway since the beginning of the conflict and has attacked vessels attempting to pass without its authorisation.
The strait is a crucial route for global energy supplies, making the dispute a major concern beyond the two countries.
Iranian and US officials held indirect discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week.
Tehran said it presented seven conditions under which it would agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has proposed reopening the waterway within seven days if its conditions are accepted.
US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal but has left open the possibility of further negotiations as well as renewed military action.
US Weighs Next Steps
The United States has not carried out another strike against Iran since September 1, while Washington has increasingly relied on economic pressure.
US media outlet Axios reported that senior members of Trump’s cabinet met on Friday to discuss the conflict with Iran and the wider regional situation.
The meeting also reportedly covered Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi forces have been fighting government forces and carrying out attacks against Saudi Arabia.
Araghchi’s latest statement suggests Tehran continues to favour negotiations but remains prepared for further military confrontation if Washington chooses that route.
Source: AFP.
