TEHRAN (Web Desk) – Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, has said that negotiations with the United States are moving forward with the help of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
He said recent events in the Strait of Hormuz show that no political crisis can be resolved through military means, warning that the United States should avoid being drawn into another prolonged conflict.
He also urged United Arab Emirates to remain cautious in view of the regional situation, adding that “Project Freedom” has effectively become a “Project Deadlock.”
Araghchi briefed Iran’s National Security Committee on proposals related to Iran-US talks held in Islamabad, informing members about recommendations presented during the discussions.
According to a statement issued by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, parliamentary committees on national security and foreign policy stressed that Iran’s interests must remain the top priority in the negotiations, while members were also updated on ongoing efforts to end the conflict in the region.
Separately, Araghchi said recent developments had made it clear that the ongoing crisis cannot be resolved through force, emphasizing that diplomatic engagement remains the only workable option. He noted that discussions between Iran and the United States were moving ahead with Pakistan playing a mediating role, while cautioning both the US and the United Arab Emirates against being pulled deeper into regional instability by outside interests.
Criticising Washington’s maritime security initiative in the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi remarked that what was being presented as a mission for freedom risked becoming a path toward deadlock.
Despite conflicting claims over activity in the strait, the US military said two American commercial vessels had safely passed through the waterway under naval protection. Iran rejected reports of recent crossings, while shipping giant Maersk confirmed that a US-flagged vessel had exited the Gulf with American military escort.
Meanwhile, Washington said its regional forces had neutralised six small Iranian boats, a claim Tehran denied. Senior US commander Brad Cooper warned Iranian forces to avoid approaching American military assets operating in the area.
Iran also unveiled a map showing what it described as an expanded maritime zone under its control, stretching beyond the Strait of Hormuz and covering extensive areas near the UAE coastline.