Iran has signaled that it remains open to diplomacy with the United States despite growing tensions and Washington’s rejection of Tehran’s latest proposal linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was prepared to respond to any new US military action but still considered negotiations a possible route toward resolving the conflict.
Speaking to NBC’s Meet the Press, Araghchi said Iran was ready for both confrontation and diplomacy, adding that the next step largely depended on decisions in Washington.
The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran had conveyed a proposal through mediators that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if certain conditions were met. The proposal was communicated during diplomatic contacts surrounding the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran wants the United States to ease its military pressure, lift the naval blockade, allow Iranian oil exports and release frozen Iranian assets as part of any arrangement involving the waterway.
Araghchi said Iran had heard President Donald Trump’s rejection of the proposal but had not yet received an official response through the mediators.
Trump rejected the Iranian proposal on Saturday, saying it did not meet Washington’s requirements.
US officials have also indicated that nuclear issues remain a major part of the American position in any future negotiations.
Despite the rejection, diplomatic activity has not completely stopped. Trump told Axios on Sunday that he expected further talks with Iran this week, while regional mediators, including Qatar, are continuing efforts to narrow differences between the two sides.
The main points of disagreement include the Strait of Hormuz, US military pressure and Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran wants negotiations to address the blockade and the reopening of the strategic waterway, while Washington is seeking commitments on nuclear issues.
Araghchi also dismissed the significance of the upcoming US midterm elections for Iran’s calculations, saying Tehran’s focus remained on protecting its national interests.
The latest statements leave open the possibility of renewed indirect negotiations, even as both sides continue to maintain opposing positions on key issues.
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