Iran insists on diplomatic solution after Trump rejects peace plan

Iran has reaffirmed its stance that diplomacy is the only means to resolve its conflict with the United States and Israel, following US President Donald Trump's rejection of an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the fighting. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran's conditions for opening the strait must be met, emphasizing that a negotiated solution is needed to break the deadlock.

Iran presented its peace proposal at the UN General Assembly in New York, which was relayed to the Americans via Qatari mediators. Trump, however, dismissed the plan, claiming that Iran's desperation drives their push for an agreement on the key waterway. Despite this, mediators facilitating Iran's talks with Washington have not officially conveyed a US rejection of the plan.

Iran's army commander, Amir Hatam, warned that the war is at a critical stage and that Tehran will not accept a situation where it cannot trade while foreign powers utilize the region's strategic waterways. Previous efforts at diplomacy have been unsuccessful, with the conflict alternating between pauses and renewed strikes, causing thousands of deaths and damaging Iran's economy.

The regional conflict has also expanded, with Iran striking US allies in the Gulf and the Houthis targeting Saudi interests. Saudi Arabia, the largest Gulf state, has been drawn deeper into the war as Houthi fighters advance in Yemen, threatening Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea. The conflict has disrupted oil flows and impacted the global economy.

Iran has also engaged in discussions with their Saudi counterparts regarding the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the significance of this conflict.