Speaking to the press at UN headquarters, Araghchi expressed that more than 5,000 people, including women and children, had died as a result of attacks Tehran attributes to the United States and Israel; he also accused Washington of using economic pressure against Iran “as a weapon.”

  The Iranian foreign minister further held the United States responsible for violating the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries and for “aggression” against Iran.

  Araghchi added that the decision now rests on Washington and warned that Tehran would not accept “threats or coercion.”

  He explained that the strait could reopen as early as the sixth day if the United States makes the decision and meets the stipulated conditions—a process he estimated could take four to five days—thereby paving the way for the start of negotiations.

  The minister clarified that the conditions included in the proposal presented to Washington are not new, as they are all covered by the memorandum of understanding signed by both parties.

  Araghchi insisted that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is possible if the United States demonstrates the “necessary seriousness” to fulfill the established commitments.

jcm/mche