Iran Says No Military Solution to Conflict With U.S. as Talks Remain Stalled
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that there was no military solution to the ongoing conflict with the United States, while warning that Iran would respond forcefully if Washington or its allies resumed military action.
Speaking at a gathering of foreign ambassadors, Araghchi said military confrontation and additional sanctions would not bring an end to the conflict.
“If our enemies again choose the path of military confrontation, our response will be stronger than before,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran would defend itself “with even more force.”
“There is no military solution, nor any solution based on new sanctions,” he said. According to Araghchi, the conflict could only be resolved through negotiations based on what he described as justice and fairness.
The comments come as diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington appear to have reached an impasse. Iran and the United States agreed to a memorandum of understanding in June intended to establish a framework for a permanent settlement, but the agreement later collapsed, with disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a central issue.
Iran has sought greater control over the strategic shipping route since the conflict began and has attacked vessels attempting to transit the strait without Iranian authorization.
Iranian and US officials held indirect talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week. Tehran said it presented seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump rejected the proposal but indicated that the United States could still pursue either further negotiations or renewed military action.The United States has not carried out strikes against Iran since September 1.
Meanwhile, US media outlet Axios reported that senior Trump administration officials met Friday to discuss the conflict with Iran as well as the war in Yemen, where Iran-backed Houthi forces have been fighting government forces and carrying out attacks against Saudi Arabia.