Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has appealed to Washington to accept Tehran's offer of two days to end the fighting, and warned of further military action if the US decides on war.
New Delhi: Iran's Foreign Minister Saeed Abbas Araghchi warned America to accept Tehran's proposal to end hostilities on all fronts, otherwise be prepared to face further military action. In a message to the White House, Araghchi said Iran's two-day offer was still on the table and challenged Washington to choose between talks and war. “American voters have made their choice. Now it's time for the White House to make theirs,” Araghchi wrote in a post on X on Sunday, November 8.
He said that to move forward on the deal, the US would have to accept Iran's conditions, which include ending fighting on all fronts. He said, “Our two-day proposal is this: Meet the needs, including ending the war on all fronts, and you will see results. Or choose war, and watch our alert and combat-ready warriors wreak havoc.”
US election results slow down diplomatic efforts
Speaking to reporters in Tehran, the Iranian foreign minister said talks to end the fighting had slowed following the US midterm election results. He said that the political consequences in Washington have affected the environment of diplomatic talks. “The main reason for this is the US election results, which obviously came as a shock to everyone,” Al Jazeera quoted Araghchi as saying.
He said the mediators would need time before resuming their visit and trying to bring the two sides closer. “It will take some time for things to calm down and for the mediators to come back again. We will have to wait,” he said.
There is no possibility of further US attacks
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that if talks lead to a strong agreement, another round of US attacks on Iran is not possible. In a telephone interview with CNN on Sunday, Trump said the decision would depend on whether Tehran accepts Washington's terms. “It depends on whether they sign a very strong agreement,” he said.
Trump claimed that previous US military attacks and economic pressure have greatly weakened Iran. He also described the country as a “failing country” and mentioned the inflation figure of 301 percent.
“The answer is very difficult, it's going to be needed. They're a failed state. It's just come out, you've seen 301% inflation this year. The likelihood of it being needed is very, very low. If needed, I'll do it, but we've attacked them very hard. I've attacked them very hard. You don't know how hard I've attacked them,” Trump told CNN.
He later reiterated that further military action would not be necessary, adding, “They are becoming financially weak. We have attacked them militarily. We can eliminate them.”
Trump described 38 bridges as possible targets
Trump also claimed that the US has identified 38 bridges in Iran that can be destroyed within an hour. According to CNN, he said, “We have 38 bridges on our site that we could literally bring down in an hour. They'll all fall.” However, he showed hesitation in demolishing the structures and said that it would take years to rebuild them.
Trump said, “I don't want to do that because realistically, it would take 10 years to rebuild them. I don't like breaking bridges. And the hardest thing to do is build bridges. It takes years, and I'm a good builder.” The talks come at a time when diplomatic efforts over the conflict are ongoing, and the nuclear program and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remain the main points of discussion between the two sides.