Iran continues to emphasize that a diplomatic resolution is the only way to resolve its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, following a rejection by US President Donald Trump of Tehran’s recent peace proposal. The proposal, unveiled last week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to hostilities in the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on social media that Tehran’s conditions for reopening the strategically crucial waterway are explicit and non-negotiable. He stressed that a negotiated settlement remains the sole viable option to end the deadlock between Iran and the United States. Araqchi also noted that while the proposal had been conveyed to the US through Qatari intermediaries, no formal response had yet been received. He affirmed that Iran would await a definitive US position before making further decisions.
President Trump dismissed the Iranian initiative on Saturday, characterizing the peace push as an act driven by desperation amid ongoing pressure. The US maintains a stringent economic blockade aimed at curbing Iranian attacks on shipping vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to a significant decline in maritime traffic through the vital corridor. Despite repeated assertions by Trump that the United States controls the strait, tensions have persisted.
Iran’s military commander, Amir Hatam, described the situation as critical and warned that Tehran would not accept restrictions on its trade or sovereignty over regional waterways. “If Iran cannot trade, if Iran cannot live, no one will be able to trade or live,” Hatam declared, according to Iranian state media.
The conflict itself dates back to late February when US and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iranian targets. Since then, the situation has fluctuated between intermittent pauses and renewed military engagements, causing thousands of casualties and inflicting damage on Iran’s conventional military capabilities as well as its fragile economy. Iran and its allies have retaliated with drone and missile attacks against US regional partners, while its Houthi allies in Yemen have escalated assaults on Saudi interests.
The ongoing hostilities have further drawn Saudi Arabia into the fray, especially as Houthi forces recently made significant gains in Yemen, undermining the Saudi-backed government and threatening oil exports through the Red Sea.
Araqchi outlined that the proposed agreement would initiate a seven-day countdown toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz and implementing a ceasefire across the region. He expressed readiness to commence broader negotiations on issues mutually agreed upon by the parties, which could potentially encompass discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, should the United States demonstrate a willingness to engage seriously.