ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said late Wednesday that Tehran seeks to end the war with the United States and Israel “on our own terms” to prevent future conflict, while warning the Strait of Hormuz is open only to friendly countries.
“We seek an end to the war on our own terms… in a way that it will not be repeated again,” Araghchi told state TV, adding that Iran has no plans to negotiate a ceasefire with Washington. “At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance."
Araghchi detailed that the Islamic republic does not "intend to negotiate,” while calling talks now “an admission of defeat.”
The comments came after the White House threatened to “unleash hell” if Iran did not negotiate a peace deal.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said talks were ongoing and “productive,” adding there were “elements of truth” to reports of a US 15-point proposal conveyed to Tehran via Pakistan.
Araghchi said such ideas had been passed to senior officials but stressed that messages exchanged through intermediaries did not constitute negotiations.
Araghchi also said Iran had created its own deterrence through the war, warning that provoking Tehran carries “heavy consequences.”
He added that the Strait of Hormuz is “not completely closed - it is closed only to enemies,” saying Iran’s forces have provided "safe passage" for ships from "friendly" nations.