Iran Says Negotiation Is Only Path to End Conflict

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, says talks are the sole route to ending the conflict with the US. His comments came after President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s gas and oil. The passage has been effectively shut since war began in February.

Trump said Iran’s offer was unacceptable and claimed Tehran wanted commercial shipping restored within seven days. Araghchi said Iran was still waiting for a definitive official response through mediators, pointing to conflicting statements from the president. He said the reopening terms matched a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran in June.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said distrust caused by the war must be addressed before negotiations can work. He said Iran was willing to discuss putting the memorandum into effect in stages, while also saying the US must show it does not plan to overthrow Iran’s government. Oman, serving as mediator, urged continued dialogue over navigation. The dispute is also affecting consumers: Trump said oil prices and fuel costs had risen sharply, while the US says sanctions are putting pressure on Tehran. Further talks and the mediators’ response are the next stated steps.