Iran says still open to diplomacy as war with US hits 6 months

Iran has hinted at a willingness for diplomatic discussions to end the ongoing six-month conflict with the United States, provided the US stops applying pressure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized on X that Iran will only consider diplomacy if Washington removes its pressure campaign. Diplomacy, led by mediators such as Pakistan and Qatar, has been attempting to cease the war since late February, but a final peace deal remains elusive.

While a ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding were reached in April and June respectively, the US has since imposed economic warfare on Iran. Iran's naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has restricted oil supplies, persists despite a recent meeting between Iranian and Qatari officials. Iran insists on the US fulfilling commitments from the June memorandum, including lifting the counter-blockade and removing sanctions.

If the commitments are not met, Iran threatens to keep the strait closed and take offensive actions. Experts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of further US pressure, as Iran has withstood decades of international sanctions.