World
Iran FM Welcomes US Dialogue Effort, Declares No Immediate Meetings Planned
By Today News Hours Editorial Desk
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that the United States’ recent outreach to open dialogue with Tehran is a “positive step,” but he said there are no plans for meetings with U.S. officials about the ongoing war. Araghchi explained that Iran had reviewed a letter from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and outlined Tehran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which he said would pave the way for renewed negotiations with Washington.
An Iranian delegation has travelled to Doha, a day after Qatari mediators visited Tehran in an attempt to revive the U.S.–Iran ceasefire. One of Araghchi’s aides is in Qatar to continue consultations. The minister said the U.S. effort to open dialogue is positive but warned that if Washington’s intent is to stir discord, it would be another mistake.
Araghchi downplayed speculation about upcoming meetings, stating that “we see no need to meet with the Americans at this stage.” He said Iran’s conditions are clear and that mediators are continuing consultations. Whether Iran will hold direct or indirect talks depends on Tehran’s conditions being met.
He noted that mediators have presented proposals concerning the nuclear dossier, which Iran is reviewing as part of the second phase. Qatari and Pakistani mediators are continuing consultations regarding Iran’s conditions.
Araghchi said talks with Qatari mediators have shortened the time needed to implement Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Qatari side proposed shortening the implementation period to five days; Iran has reached a proposal that reduces it to two days. Iran’s conditions include lifting sanctions imposed after the Islamabad memorandum, reducing U.S. forces in the region, restoring oil waivers, and releasing all frozen funds, including those held in Qatar.
Iran also demands recognition of shipping routes through the strait discussed with Oman and the closure of other routes. Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar Atas reported that Iran’s position remains firm, insisting on the same demands while negotiations continue. Under a memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran in June, Washington guaranteed oil waivers and no further restrictions on Iranian oil exports. When the memorandum collapsed months later, the U.S. cancelled all waivers. Tehran continues to insist on the release of its frozen assets, including $6 billion held in Qatar, and on lifting sanctions that have put pressure on its economy.
The U.S. wants Iran to reopen the strait, and both sides want their demands met on the ground, not just on paper, Atas added.
Araghchi also said Iran does not rule out the possibility of an attack against Iran and that the country is prepared for all scenarios. He said Iran has upgraded its weaponry, addressed vulnerabilities, and tested new arms, with forces at the highest level of readiness.
Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, Major‑General Ali Abdollahi, stated that Iran would respond to any attack with immense force, with no geographical limits, and would decide when any new war ends. Abdollahi said Iran was acting on orders from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Former Iranian diplomat Abbas Khamayar told Al Jazeera that he expects the current situation to hold until the U.S. midterm elections next week.