Under-pressure Araghchi defends Iran's war diplomacy

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended his diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with the US during a grueling three-hour parliamentary hearing on Wednesday. The session could potentially lead to impeachment proceedings against Mr. Araghchi, following allegations of him exceeding his authority by meeting with American officials in New York without Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's consent.

Critics also expressed worries about Iran's unity and cohesion in the wake of the war and the assassination of high-profile figures. Mr. Araghchi insisted that his delegation at the UN General Assembly in New York communicated Iran's positions with "eloquence and authority," adding that his team had adhered to Iran's "competent authorities."

The Iranian spokesman argued that the nation demonstrated its toughness and commitment to diplomacy during the UN proceedings, aimed at safeguarding national security. He proposed a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US agrees to Iran's demands. However, US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's offer, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of "losing complete control" over the strait, asserting that oil shipments had returned to pre-war levels.

According to Kpler, the seven-day moving average for crude exports from the Gulf stood at 18.3 million barrels per day on September 30, compared to an average of 18 million bpd in the year prior to the conflict. Rubio warned of crippling sanctions and an "economic free fall" for Iran, predicting that the country's economic situation would deteriorate rapidly.