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AFP reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a gathering of foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday that there is no military solution to the conflict with the United States nor any resolution based on new sanctions. Araghchi warned that if adversaries chose military confrontation again Iran’s response would be stronger than before with the country defending itself with even more force. He added that only negotiations based on justice and fairness could bring an end to the fighting that has continued despite multiple diplomatic efforts. The minister’s remarks came as both sides seemed locked in an impasse after recent indirect contacts.
Iran presented seven conditions to the United States through Qatari mediators during indirect talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last week according to an AFP dispatch. Those conditions included a full cessation of hostilities across all fronts the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to the naval blockade of Iranian ports. Araghchi has maintained that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains contingent on those demands being met in full. Tehran has controlled access to the vital waterway since fighting began and has targeted vessels attempting passage without coordination.
The conflict commenced on Feb. 28 with a campaign of US and Israeli attacks on Iranian targets an AFP assessment found. A memorandum of understanding reached in June between the two sides had aimed to create a framework for permanent resolution but that agreement collapsed within weeks primarily over disagreements concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Heavy bombardment by US and Israeli forces failed to deliver a decisive outcome in the months that followed. Washington has since shifted emphasis toward economic pressure while reducing direct military operations in the region.
Araghchi stressed during his address to the ambassadors that Iran remains prepared for stronger defensive measures if the military path is pursued again according to the news agency. He noted that the country had already demonstrated its capacity to respond forcefully to earlier strikes. The foreign minister’s comments underscored Tehran’s position that sanctions alone would also fail to resolve underlying issues. Iranian officials have repeatedly signaled readiness to return to full-scale fighting if diplomacy does not advance on equitable terms.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said on the same day that Tehran is neither excited nor intimidated by US actions an AFP report drawn from Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency indicated. Qalibaf told parliament that Iran stands ready both to fight with full strength and to negotiate from a position of superiority. He added that new surprises awaited any military challenge while diplomacy would be used to secure the rights of the Iranian people. The speaker’s remarks aligned closely with Araghchi’s emphasis on simultaneous military preparedness and openness to talks.
The June memorandum had sought to address broader issues including Iran’s nuclear programme and regional de-escalation but differences over sequencing and Hormuz access led to its rapid breakdown Reuters data referenced in AFP coverage showed. Last week’s indirect exchanges marked the most recent attempt to revive momentum yet produced no visible breakthrough. Araghchi has said mediators are expected to relay further responses in coming days. Iranian authorities continue to insist that all seven conditions must be accepted before any steps toward reopening the strait or pausing hostilities can occur.
