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

Iran claims the United States shifted from demanding Iran's surrender to seeking talks as oil prices surge, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The dramatic change in stance comes as oil prices climb due to declining shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been targeted by ongoing Israeli attacks. Araghchi stated that Iran has proven itself as a "tough and invincible power" by defying the US and Israel, surprising the entire world with its resilience.

In a televised news conference, Araghchi recalled that at the beginning of the war, the US president called for "unconditional surrender," but now the same enemy is pleading for negotiations. The US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Trump for launching an "illegal war" without a clear exit strategy, while US-Iranian negotiations remain stalled and fighting risks resuming.

The Iran-US standoff has also caused the Strait of Hormuz to become a chokepoint for global trade, with only six vessels passing through on Monday, down from an average of 11 per day over the past 10 days. Iranian business leader Majid Reza Hariri warned that the US maritime blockade must be lifted, as replacing sea routes with overland transport could add $18 billion annually to Iran's import bill.