Iranian foreign minister says war with the United States cannot be solved militarily

At a gathering of foreign diplomats in Tehran, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel has no military resolution. He noted that heavy bombardments since the war’s start in late February have not forced a decisive end, and cautioned that any future military moves by Iran’s adversaries would be met with even greater force. Araghchi dismissed the idea that new sanctions could solve the problem, insisting that only negotiations grounded in justice and fairness could bring peace.

He referenced a June memorandum of understanding that fell apart largely due to disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane Iran has sought to dominate. Indirect talks between Iranian and U.S. officials on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last week yielded no agreement, as the United States rejected Tehran’s seven conditions for reopening the strait while leaving the door open to further talks or renewed military action.