Iran's Araghchi: No Response From Saudi Arabia or Houthis on Mediation Offer
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Iran has not received a response from Saudi Arabia or the Houthis to its mediation offer for the Yemen conflict. He also discussed ongoing indirect negotiations with the U.S. regarding a "Seven-Day Plan" and the Strait of Hormuz, blaming U.S. actions for hindering progress and trust. Araghchi reiterated that the opening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on reaching an agreement with the U.S.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi stated Saudi Arabia and Houthis have not responded to Iran's mediation offer.
- Araghchi noted both Saudi Arabia and Houthis have unacceptable conditions for ending the Yemen conflict.
- The Yemeni government previously accused Iran of arming Houthis, questioning its peace efforts.
- Araghchi confirmed ongoing indirect negotiations with the U.S. via Pakistan and Qatar.
- Iran's "Seven-Day Plan" includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. agreement on initial terms.
- Araghchi blamed U.S. actions for hindering negotiations and stated Hormuz opening is tied to a U.S. deal.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Tuesday that Tehran has not yet received a response from Saudi Arabia or the Houthi group in Yemen regarding Iran's offer to mediate an end to their conflict. Araghchi suggested that the lack of a reply indicates the Yemeni group's independence in decision-making. He noted that both Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have conditions for ending the conflict, but these are not acceptable to the other side, emphasizing the need to help bridge their viewpoints.
Earlier in October, the Yemeni government accused Iran of arming and training the Houthis, questioning Tehran's sincerity in pursuing peace given its alleged military support for the group. Araghchi also commented on the economic blockade against Yemen, stating that the Yemeni people seek to break it. He described the use of the Bab al-Mandab strait for pressure on Saudi Arabia as a Yemeni issue, questioning Iran's involvement.
Regarding Iran-U.S. negotiations, Araghchi confirmed ongoing communications through intermediaries like Pakistan and Qatar. He reiterated Iran's "Seven-Day Plan" initiative, which includes conditions for understanding with Washington, such as the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on the sixth day of the plan. He claimed the U.S. agreed to Iran's conditions but seeks to add other clauses, while Tehran insists on implementing prior agreements with Pakistan before discussing further issues.
Araghchi mentioned three rounds of negotiations with the U.S. that he said ended with declarations of war against Iran, increasing Tehran's distrust in reaching an agreement. Despite this, he affirmed Iran's readiness for diplomacy, accusing the U.S. of obstructing negotiations and stating that adhering to previous understandings would allow talks to resume and progress toward a final deal.
He reiterated that the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on an agreement with the U.S. on Iran's terms, warning of continued maritime navigation difficulties otherwise. Araghchi attributed the current situation in the strait to what he called "American and Israeli military aggression" against Iran, asserting that navigation restrictions are linked to Washington's current approach.