Iran continues to push for a diplomatic way out of its conflict with the United States and Israel after President Donald Trump rejected its latest peace proposal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the country’s position clear on Sunday, stressing that only negotiations can break the current deadlock.
Araqchi said on social media that Iran’s conditions remain firm. Any step toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz will depend on those conditions being met. He added that a negotiated solution is the only path forward.
Iran presented its peace plan last week at the UN General Assembly in New York and said it had been passed to American officials through Qatari mediators. Trump confirmed on Saturday that he had turned down the proposal. He claimed the Iranians were acting out of desperation because they were “losing so badly” and wanted the waterway opened immediately.
Despite the rejection, Trump left the door open for further talks. In a phone interview with Axios on Sunday, he said he expected US negotiators to hold more discussions this week.
Araqchi noted that mediators have not yet officially delivered a final American response. Iran is waiting for that confirmation before deciding its next move.
The United States has maintained an economic blockade on Iran to pressure Tehran to stop attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. These attacks have sharply reduced shipping through the vital waterway, even as Trump insists the US controls it.
Iran’s army chief Amir Hatam described the conflict as being at a critical stage. He warned that if Iran cannot trade or function, no one else in the region will be able to either.
The war began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. It has disrupted global oil flows and damaged the world economy. Previous diplomatic efforts have failed to bring an end to the fighting.
Araqchi explained that the proposed deal would start a seven-day countdown to reopen the strait and pause regional fighting. If the US shows seriousness, wider talks could follow, possibly including Iran’s nuclear programme.
US envoy Mike Waltz said Trump rejected the plan because it demanded the immediate lifting of sanctions and release of frozen assets in exchange for only a promise of future talks. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted Iran is ready for discussions but will not accept bullying or coercion.
