Iran Signals Readiness for Diplomacy as War With US Drags On

Iran has signalled that it remains open to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending its six-month conflict with the United States, despite continued fighting and stalled negotiations between the two countries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that diplomacy could still be revived if Washington changes its approach towards Tehran.

“Putting diplomacy back on track isn't impossible,” Araghchi wrote on X, arguing that negotiations would depend on the United States recognising that applying pressure would not force Iran to change its position.

Diplomatic efforts led by mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, have been ongoing for months in an attempt to end the conflict, which began after US and Israeli military action in late February.

Although the two sides agreed to a ceasefire in April and later signed a memorandum of understanding in June as a framework for a potential final peace agreement, a comprehensive deal has yet to be reached.

Washington has since intensified pressure on Tehran, including what it has described as “economic warfare.”

In the latest diplomatic initiative, Araghchi met with Qatar’s foreign minister in Tehran on Thursday to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting followed a week of intensive negotiations involving Iran, Oman and Pakistan.

Iran closed the strategic waterway at the beginning of the conflict, and tensions surrounding the strait have remained a major obstacle to efforts to reach a lasting agreement.

The April ceasefire brought an end to the most intense phase of the fighting, but sporadic attacks, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, have continued to undermine hopes for a final peace deal.

Tehran has also been holding discussions with Oman over the future of the waterway, whose territorial waters are shared by the two countries. Iran has maintained that Hormuz will remain closed until Washington fulfils commitments outlined in the June memorandum, including lifting the US counter-blockade and removing sanctions.

Araghchi said Iran was prepared to engage diplomatically but insisted that the United States must take steps to rebuild trust.

“The US should build trust, speak respectfully, acknowledge our rights, and uphold commitments,” he said.