Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday in Tehran presented Iran's official position on the ongoing tension between Iran and the United States. He spoke in detail about Iran's policy regarding the State of Hormuz and signalled a major decision in the coming days.
Araghchi said that the path of dialogue between Iran and the United States is not closed. Both countries are not talking directly, but they are in constant contact through mediator countries and are sending messages to each other. Iran had put a proposal before the United States to end this crisis.
The biggest point of this proposal was regarding the State of Hormuz. Araghchi said that Iran has promised that if a respectable and just agreement is reached, Iran will completely normalize the State of Hormuz within seven days. The movement of ships from here will again become completely safe and normal.
The State of Hormuz is the most important sea route in the world. About twenty percent of the total oil used daily around the world passes through this route. Since tension increased in this area in the last few months, there has been a continuous increase in oil prices, which has affected the economy of the whole world. This route is also very important for countries like India because most of India's crude oil comes through this route.
The Foreign Minister further said that the United States has sent its counter-draft to Tehran on Iran's proposal. At this time, Iranian officials are deeply reviewing that draft. He said that the review is almost complete and Iran will give its final answer in the next few days. He emphasized that the diplomatic process is still ongoing and a solution can only be found through dialogue.
In his statement, Araghchi did not only talk about softness, but also gave a stern warning. He said that the solution to this entire crisis will not come from the army or sanctions. If there is any solution to it, it is only through dialogue and diplomacy.
He said, "Iran wants peace and we are fully prepared for a just agreement. We are serious about diplomacy. But if a military attack is carried out on us, then our response will be much bigger and more devastating than before. We are more prepared than before for every situation."
He said that now it is up to the United States to decide whether it takes the path of dialogue or confrontation. He appealed to the United States to act with wisdom and prudence.
Experts believe that through this statement, Iran is giving two messages at once. The first is that it does not want war and is ready to take a big step to stabilize the oil market. The second is that it is not going to bow down to any pressure and will not compromise on its security.
Now the eyes of the whole world are fixed on the next two to three days when Iran will give its final answer to the United States. If an agreement is reached between the two countries, then not only will the State of Hormuz open, but oil prices will also come down and hopes of peace returning to the Gulf will increase. If no agreement is reached, then tension in this region may increase further and its impact will be felt all over the world.
