Iran insists on negotiations as Hormuz dispute escalates

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that negotiations are the only path to resolving the ongoing conflict with the United States, as diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Speaking at a gathering of foreign ambassadors, Araghchi warned that Iran would respond more forcefully if its adversaries resumed military action, emphasizing that only negotiations based on justice and fairness could end the conflict. The war, which began in late February, has seen weeks of heavy US and Israeli bombardment without a decisive outcome, leading to increased economic pressure on Tehran.

The central dispute between Iran and the US revolves around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for Gulf oil and gas. Iran has sought to restrict shipping through the waterway, attacking vessels without authorization, while the US has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports. The latest incident involved a tanker in the Hormuz reporting damage from an unknown projectile, though the crew was safe and no environmental impact was reported.

Indirect talks between Iranian and US officials occurred last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, with Tehran presenting seven conditions for reopening the strait. These conditions include a ceasefire across the Middle East, the unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad, and the lifting of sanctions on its oil sector. US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal but left the door open for further negotiations or renewed military action.

Meanwhile, Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad resigned on Sunday, citing personal reasons, and was replaced by Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the National Iranian Oil Company. The resignation comes amid Washington's blockade on Iranian oil exports and ongoing economic pressure from the war and sanctions.