Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed on the 20th (local time) that Iran has received proposals from intermediary countries aimed at de-escalating tensions with the United States. The confirmation came during a press briefing where Baghaei was asked about reports of Qatar proposing a 10-day ceasefire between Iran and the US. The acknowledgment follows nine days of ongoing military confrontation between the US and Iran over management of the Strait of Hormuz, during which Iran has continued attacking ships passing through the strait while conducting missile and drone strikes on Middle East regions hosting US bases.
Iran Confirms Receipt of Mediation Proposals Through Intermediary Countries
According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, Baghaei responded to a question about whether Qatar had proposed a 10-day ceasefire between Iran and the US by stating, "It is clear that intermediary countries are active and working to prevent escalation of tensions." He emphasized that "proposals presented through intermediary countries have been transmitted to us and we have received them," but declined to comment on specific details at this time. Baghaei confirmed that "diplomatic authorities have been actively working and several ideas from some intermediary countries have been transmitted to Iran."
Iranian Spokesperson Outlines Dual Approach of Diplomacy and Defense
Baghaei stated that insisting on a binary choice between negotiation or war, or diplomacy or war, does not serve Iran's interests. He said, "It is never correct logic to think that diplomacy negates defense, or that defense cannot coexist with diplomacy." The spokesperson explained that "negotiation and defense each have their own methods," adding that "the goal is to defend Iran's national interests—sometimes through the means of defense, sometimes through the means of diplomacy, and sometimes by utilizing both simultaneously."
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Strait of Hormuz
Iran Asserts Responsibility for Strait of Hormuz Management
Baghaei emphasized that the ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the US contains no ambiguity regarding Strait of Hormuz management. He stated, "From the beginning, we have made clear that responsibility for the future management and operation of the Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran, and this matter will be pursued through consultation with Oman and dialogue with regional countries." The spokesperson added that "the document is completely clear and there is no excuse for the US to violate the agreement," noting that "the US has never stated that it resumed attacks on Iran due to errors in document interpretation or disagreements." Baghaei declared that "regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we are firmly determined to exercise our national interests and sovereignty," stating that "we must not allow this waterway to be abused again to threaten Iran's security and national interests."
Baghaei Warns of Consequences for US Attack on Kharg Island
Baghaei warned that if the United States attacks Kharg Island, Iran's oil hub, "it will pay the price." The warning came as the US and Iran continue their ninth day of military confrontation over Strait of Hormuz management, with Iran continuing to attack ships passing through the strait while conducting parallel missile and drone strikes on Middle East regions with US bases.
FAQ
What did Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirm on the 20th?
Esmail Baghaei confirmed during a press briefing on the 20th (local time) that Iran has received proposals from intermediary countries aimed at de-escalating tensions with the United States. He stated that proposals presented through intermediary countries have been transmitted to Iran and received, though he declined to comment on specific details.
Why did Baghaei emphasize both diplomacy and defense in Iran's approach?
Baghaei stated that insisting on a binary choice between negotiation or war does not serve Iran's interests. He explained that negotiation and defense each have their own methods, and that Iran's goal is to defend its national interests—sometimes through defense, sometimes through diplomacy, and sometimes by utilizing both simultaneously. He emphasized that thinking diplomacy negates defense, or that defense cannot coexist with diplomacy, is not correct logic.
What is Iran's stated position on Strait of Hormuz management?
Baghaei stated that responsibility for the future management and operation of the Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran, and this matter will be pursued through consultation with Oman and dialogue with regional countries. He emphasized that the ceasefire MOU with the US contains no ambiguity on this issue and that Iran is firmly determined to exercise its national interests and sovereignty regarding the strait.
