Iran tells US there is no military solution to Middle East war

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that Iran would not resort to military action to resolve the ongoing conflict with the United States, insisting that a military solution is not viable. Talks aimed at ending the war have reportedly reached a deadlock. The U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February, but even heavy bombardment failed to hasten a resolution, leading Washington to shift its focus towards economic pressure.

A key sticking point remains Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial pathway for oil and gas in the Gulf, where a UK maritime agency reported yet another vessel was targeted by an unidentified projectile on Sunday. Iran has maintained its stance that only negotiations grounded in justice and fairness can bring about an end to the conflict, while the U.S. and Israel argue that the war is essential to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Despite a recent U.S. military buildup in the region, no strikes have been launched against Iran since September 1. Iran has repeatedly sought to control the strategic waterway since the war's outset, striking ships attempting to pass without its authorization. The U.S. has established its own blockade of Iranian ports and has also attacked vessels it suspects of breaching the blockade.

Iran and the U.S. exchanged indirect talks last week, with Tehran presenting seven conditions for the reopening of the strait, including a cease-fire, unfreezing of foreign assets, lifting of sanctions, and an end to the U.S. naval blockade.