Iran says US went from demanding surrender to seeking talks as oil price rises

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed Tuesday that the United States has shifted from demanding Iran's unconditional surrender to seeking talks, following a 20-day period during which the US was begging for negotiations. This dramatic change in stance came about as collapsing shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz led to a rise in oil prices.

Araghchi told a televised news conference, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, that Iran had proven itself to be "a tough and invincible power" by resisting both US and Israeli threats. He noted that no one had anticipated Iran's ability to withstand American pressure so effectively.

"I have heard this many times from foreign ministers and officials from other countries: 'You Iranians created a miracle; you surprised the whole world,'" Araghchi stated. He pointed out that the US president had initially called for "unconditional surrender" at the beginning of the war, showing Washington's initial demand. However, by the 20th day of the conflict, the same enemy was now seeking negotiations, Araghchi emphasized.