TEHRAN — Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has said the country’s conflict with the United States cannot be settled through military action, as diplomatic efforts remain stalled and tensions continue over the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday, Araghchi said Iran remained open to negotiations but would respond forcefully if the United States and its allies resumed military operations.
“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,” he said.
Araghchi said neither military action nor additional sanctions would provide a lasting solution.
“There is no military solution, nor any solution based on new sanctions,” he said, arguing that negotiations based on fairness were the only way to end the conflict.
The remarks came as efforts to revive talks between Washington and Tehran appeared to be facing serious obstacles. Iran has proposed a seven-day process for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a major global shipping route, if the United States meets conditions including lifting a naval blockade and easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports
The United States has rejected key elements of Tehran’s proposal, while diplomatic contacts through intermediaries have continued. Reuters reported on Sunday that Iran had received a US response to its latest proposal, with Tehran still insisting that the Strait would not reopen until its conditions were met.
The dispute over the waterway has become one of the central issues in the negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for international energy supplies, and prolonged disruption has already raised concerns about oil prices and global trade.
Washington has also kept open the possibility of further military action if diplomacy fails. President Donald Trump has said the conflict could resume if an agreement is not reached, while insisting that the United States would prevail.
Both sides appear to remain far apart. Iran says diplomacy is the preferred path but has warned it is prepared for renewed fighting. The United States, meanwhile, continues to press Tehran over sanctions, the nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
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