Araghchi links delayed mediator visits to the US election aftermath
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the political atmosphere needed time to settle before mediators could resume visits, linking delays in negotiations to the US election aftermath. His Sunday remarks also kept Iran’s two-day proposal available. Donald Trump made further attacks conditional on progress towards an agreement over the nuclear programme and Strait of Hormuz.
Geopolitics··Morning
Araghchi says mediators need a settled atmosphere
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that time was needed for political conditions to settle before mediators could resume their visits. He linked delays in negotiations to the aftermath of the US midterm elections. In remarks carried by Iranian state media, he said the atmosphere needed to become conducive to renewed mediation. The pause in visits was his description of the diplomatic process, with no date announced for the next round.[1]
Sunday warning couples the offer with retaliation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that US attacks would bring a forceful Iranian response. He told Washington that Tehran’s two-day proposal remained available if its requirements, including an end to fighting on all fronts, were met. The renewed warning followed the US midterm elections. In a separate statement carried by Iran’s Foreign Ministry that day, he also threatened American targets in the region.[1], [2]
Trump makes further strikes conditional on negotiations
US President Donald Trump said renewed strikes on Iran were highly unlikely if talks advanced over its nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the maritime passage. Speaking by telephone in an interview reported by CNN, he tied further attacks to whether Iran signed a strong agreement. He also said he would continue strikes if he judged them necessary.[1]
