Speaking to ambassadors and representatives of countries and international organizations in Tehran on Sunday, Araqchi said Iran’s delegation had a strong and effective presence at the UN General Assembly in New York, where it held numerous meetings and interviews and presented a seven-day proposal for resolving existing disputes.
The foreign minister said that under the proposal, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened within seven days if the plan is accepted, adding that Iran’s initiative influenced the political atmosphere in New York and demonstrated Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy and finding a solution, just as it remains committed to defending itself.
Araqchi warned that Iran’s response will be stronger than before if its adversaries once again choose the path of military confrontation.
“If they seek diplomacy, we remain ready to reach an honorable solution to end the war,” he said.
The foreign minister said Iran has clearly stated its positions in New York and that efforts to isolate the country have failed. Iran, he added, demonstrated that it continues to hold rational positions and has solutions for both war and peace.
He also praised the performance of Iranian diplomats at the UN General Assembly, saying they have conveyed the voice of the Iranian people to the world and clearly explained Iran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“All the conditions are in line with the commitments that the US must accept,” Araqchi said.
Referring to his meetings with the Persian Gulf officials, Araqchi said the talks have been friendly and that Iran has begun a new course in relations with regional countries. He said Iran’s neighbors in the Persian Gulf are cooperating with Tehran and that a shared determination to establish stability with the participation of regional states is being pursued.
Regarding meetings with European countries, Araqchi expressed hope that European governments would reconsider their approach toward Iran. He described NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s acknowledgment of participation in the war against Iran as significant, saying Rutte has stated that more than 5,000 fighter jets had taken off from bases in Europe in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran.
“We are waiting for the European countries to provide an explanation,” Araqchi said.
He said Iran’s proposal to European countries is to establish dialogue with Tehran and avoid any US or Israeli warmongering.
Araqchi also expressed hope that the US would choose “the path of wisdom and rationality,” but warned that Iran is more prepared than before if Washington chooses a military course.
He said the US had previously lost both in war and diplomacy, adding that sanctions have produced no benefit.
“There is no military or sanctions-based solution. Only a diplomatic solution can work and can help bring an end to the aggression against Iran,” Araqchi said.
