Iranian FM urges negotiations, warns of stronger response

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that negotiations, rather than military action or new sanctions, were needed to resolve the conflict with the United States, while warning that Iran would respond more forcefully if military confrontation resumed. His remarks came as talks appeared stalled, with the Strait of Hormuz a central point of disagreement. Speaking at a gathering of foreign ambassadors, Araghchi said there was no military solution and called for negotiations based on justice and fairness. He said Iran would defend itself with greater force if its adversaries again chose military confrontation. The statements were attributed to Araghchi in accounts of the gathering; the available reports repeat the same account and do not provide an independent record of the remarks. Iranian and US officials held indirect talks last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Tehran said it presented seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route. US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal but left open the possibility of further talks or renewed military operations, according to the reports.