Iran says open to diplomacy as US war hits six months

Iran has signaled openness to diplomacy as the US-backed war against the country enters its sixth month, but insists the United States must end its pressure campaign first. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tweeted that diplomacy could work if the US grasps the key truth that pressure is ineffective. Diplomacy has been attempted by mediators like Pakistan and Qatar, but a lasting peace deal remains elusive despite a ceasefire and a peace memorandum in April and June.

The April truce halted the fiercest fighting, yet sporadic attacks around the Strait of Hormuz persist, casting doubt on a final accord. Iran and Oman have been discussing reopening the strategically vital waterway, while insisting Tehran will keep it closed until the US lifts its counter-blockade and abides by the June deal. Iran warns that if the US fails to fulfill its obligations, it will launch attacks beyond Hormuz.

US officials now aim to cripple Iran's economy, but experts doubt the scale of pressure China can apply, given its existing Chinese-Iranian oil trade. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at potential sanctions on Chinese entities dealing with Iran, ahead of a planned September visit by President Xi Jinping to Washington.