Iran FM briefs global counterparts on new proposal to end US conflict

TEHRAN -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has briefed Asian and European counterparts on Tehran's latest proposal to end its conflict with the United States.

In separate calls on Friday and Saturday, Araghchi discussed regional developments and a ceasefire with Washington with officials from Turkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Russia, South Korea, Japan, France, Italy, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Araghchi said US and Israeli "military aggression" was driving insecurity in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry statements.

Araghchi said Iran did not start the war and remains open to diplomacy if the United States drops its "maximalist approach," threats, and provocative actions.

He added that Iran's armed forces are fully prepared to defend the country against any threat.

Araghchi also praised the "constructive" role of some regional states in promoting diplomacy and preventing further escalation.

On Feb 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities, killing Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US interests in the region.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8, followed by talks between Iranian and US delegations in Islamabad that failed to produce a deal.

State news agency IRNA reported Friday that Iran delivered a new proposal for talks to Pakistan a day earlier.