There is no “military solution” to the conflict between Iran and the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, as bilateral talks appear to have reached an impasse. At the same time, the speaker of Iran’s parliament made clear that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened unless Washington meets Tehran’s demands.
Speaking to foreign ambassadors, Araghchi said: “If our enemies choose the path of military confrontation again, our response will be stronger than before, and we will defend ourselves with even greater force.”
He added that there is no “military solution, nor a solution based on new sanctions”, arguing that only negotiations “based on justice and equality” can lead to an end to the conflict.
Next steps
The US news website Axios reported on Saturday, citing three US officials, that senior members of the Trump administration met at Camp David to discuss the United States’ next steps in the war with Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened unless the United States meets the seven conditions set by Tehran under the terms of the June interim agreement.
“The Americans, who say something different in the media, recently presented proposals through a mediator. But they must understand that the period in which they delayed the process and made unilateral demands has passed,” he said.
“The position of the Islamic Republic is absolutely clear and firm, and the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until our seven conditions are met, based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” he added.
Source: CNA
