Iran confirmed that it has received proposals and ideas from a number of mediators aimed at calming tensions with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said that Iranian diplomatic efforts are continuing in conjunction with the response from its armed forces.
Baghaei’s statement, made during his weekly press conference on Monday, came in response to a question from the Iranian news agency IRNA regarding recent reports indicating that Qatar had put forward new initiatives to resume negotiations, including speculation about a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.
The question from the Iranian news agency IRNA referred to the recent visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to Qatar to offer condolences to Qatari officials on the death of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, during which he reportedly also met with his Qatari counterpart.
Baqai stated that the mediators, as is evident, are actively working to prevent further escalation.
He continued: “At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran will spare no effort to stop American crimes,” according to the Iranian news agency IRNA.
Baghaei added that while the Iranian armed forces are responding “strongly and decisively” and targeting the sources of American aggression, the country’s diplomatic apparatus is also fully engaged in fulfilling its responsibilities.
“I reiterate that the diplomatic corps, in coordination with the defenders of the homeland in the armed forces, continues to perform its duties,” he continued, adding: “The proposals were conveyed to us through intermediaries, and we have received them. But I prefer not to go into details at this stage.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday evening that the United States remains ready to hold talks with Iran, "and we are always open to diplomacy," but added that it "must be an agreement that Iran is prepared to abide by."
Rubio explained, before heading to the meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): “We have made multiple attempts with Iran, and we will continue our efforts. If this door opens, we will be happy to see it open.”
