Iran says mediation with US halted after American election results

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed on Sunday that mediation between Tehran and Washington has come to a standstill following the Democrats' decisive win in the recent US Congress elections. Speaking to state television, Araghchi attributed the halt to the election's impact on the parties involved, stating that resuming negotiations would necessitate time for conditions to stabilize.

He urged patience while assessing the response of the US to the new political landscape. Araghchi emphasized that Iran is awaiting the full consequences of the election results before outlining the next steps in the negotiation process. This development occurs amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to avert further military action, as the US had threatened severe retaliation following President Donald Trump's earlier comments about progress in talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

Iran has been blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments, prompting the US to impose a blockade on Iranian ports and monitor oil tankers through the passage. Araghchi highlighted the electorate's decision and implored Washington to accept Iran's demands or opt for war, warning of Iran's readiness to retaliate.

Following a September proposal, Tehran suggested reopening the Strait within seven days, initially demanding the cessation of hostilities and the release of Iranian assets and sanctions on its oil exports. Subsequently, Iran proposed implementing the initiative within two days, a stance reinforced by Araghchi's latest broadcast.