Iran says diplomacy is the only way to resolve conflict with US and Israel

Tehran, Iran. Iran said on Sunday that only diplomacy could resolve its conflict with the United States and Israel. The statement followed US President Donald Trump’s assertion that he had rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the fighting.

Iran awaits response through mediators

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on social media that reopening the strait depended on Iran’s conditions being met. “Only a negotiated solution can get them out of this deadlock,” he wrote.

Iran announced the peace proposal last week at the UN General Assembly in New York, saying it had been sent to the United States through Qatari mediators. Araqchi said the mediators had not officially conveyed a US rejection. He said Iran was waiting for them to relay Washington’s definitive position before deciding how to respond.

Trump rejects proposal publicly

Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday that he had rejected the plan. He said Iran wanted an immediate agreement to reopen the strait because it was “losing so badly”.

The United States has imposed an economic blockade on Iran to pressure Tehran to stop attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks have sharply reduced shipping through the waterway, although Trump has repeatedly said the United States controls it.

The Wall Street Journal first reported Trump’s rejection of the proposal, citing unnamed US officials. It said Trump was privately sceptical that Iran would meet his demands and had told staff he considered a renewed bombing campaign likely after the November US midterm elections.

A US official had earlier described discussions with Iran through mediators as “positive and constructive”.