Iran holds intensive indirect talks with US through mediators
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Qatar and Pakistan are playing active roles in the ongoing diplomatic discussions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that very intensive indirect talks are currently underway with the United States. According to Mathrubhumi, these negotiations are being facilitated through mediators from Qatar and Pakistan.
Speaking to the state-run IRNA news agency in a video interview, Araghchi stated that Tehran is ready for serious diplomacy. However, he warned that Iran would provide a more forceful response if the United States carries out another military operation.
Tehran has indicated it could resume negotiations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Washington meets certain conditions. These requirements reportedly involve lifting sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, altering the US military footprint in the region, and reaching an agreement regarding shipping in the waterway.
Araghchi noted that restrictions on the strategic maritime route will continue until Iran's demands are addressed. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital international passage for oil and gas shipments between the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri Kani on Monday. Wang expressed support for Iran's sovereignty and called for a political solution to protect regional energy and shipping security.
The diplomatic activity follows comments made on Saturday by US President Donald Trump, who said the United States had destroyed much of Iran's military capability but had remaining targets to address.
