Iran FM says US conflict has no military solution

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that there was no military solution to Iran's conflict with the United States, as talks on ending the war appeared to be at an impasse.

Speaking to foreign ambassadors, Araghchi said Iran would respond more strongly if its enemies chose military confrontation again. He said there was “no military solution” and no solution based on new sanctions, and said only negotiations based on “justice and fairness” could end the conflict.

The war launched by the United States and Israel in late February has not reached a decisive end. Washington has reduced military operations in recent weeks and increased economic pressure. The United States has not struck Iran since September 1.

Iran and the United States agreed in June on a memorandum of understanding intended to provide a framework for a permanent resolution, but the arrangement collapsed, largely over disagreements about the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has sought to impose control over the shipping lane since the start of the war and has attacked vessels that try to transit without its authorisation.

Iranian and US officials held indirect talks last week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Tehran said it presented seven conditions for reopening the strait. Trump rejected the proposal, while leaving open the possibility of further talks or renewed military operations.

Axios reported that senior Trump cabinet members met Friday to discuss the war in Iran, as well as the conflict in Yemen, where the Tehran-backed Houthis have been fighting government forces and attacking Saudi Arabia.