Iran War News LIVE Update: Araghchi warns of ‘stronger’ response to renewed military action; “U.S. Equity Draft” | Today’s news
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that Iran would respond more forcefully than before if its adversaries chose military action again, adding that Tehran remained committed to diplomacy.
“If the enemies choose the path of military confrontation and war again, Iran’s response will be much stronger and more decisive than in the past,” Araghchi told ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations in Tehran, according to a post on his Telegram channel.
However, he indicated a willingness to pursue diplomacy, saying “…if they pursue diplomatic avenues, we remain ready to reach a just and honest solution through diplomacy to end this war.”
Restore security in the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined Iran’s proposal to restore security in the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, saying Tehran had demonstrated its “good faith and continued seriousness” by using diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
“It was clear to everyone at this meeting that the Islamic Republic of Iran is serious about diplomacy, just as it is serious and determined to defend itself,” he said.
An Iranian official said the US shared the proposals
The U.S. recently made proposals through an intermediary, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said in an open session of parliament, without elaborating.
US President Donald Trump said last week that he rejected Iran’s latest peace offer because it was not good enough. Qalibaf, the chief negotiator for rare direct talks with the US earlier this year, said the Americans were “saying something else in the media”.
Qalibaf said “the era of stalling and dictating unilateral demands is over” and that Iran’s seven conditions for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain.
The Yemeni government announced a major operation against the Houthis
Yemen’s internationally recognized government has announced a major military operation against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Rashad al-Alimi, head of the ruling Presidential Leadership Council, made the announcement as Iran-backed rebels advanced on the outskirts of the key southwestern city of Taiz.
The Houthis launched a major offensive against government forces and their allies on the outskirts of Taiz in recent days, disrupting the main road linking the city to the port city of Aden, the seat of al-Alimi’s government. Rebels besieged Taiz for more than a decade.
The escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis after a four-year ceasefire has revived Yemen’s civil war.
Stay tuned to this LIVE blog for all the latest updates on the Iran-US war.
