Live Updates: Iran says Trump must choose between war or diplomacy as talks expected to resume this week
Live Updates: Iran Says Trump Must Choose War or Diplomacy
Wertynews.com – Live Updates: Iran says Trump must choose between war or diplomacy as indirect U.S.-Iran contacts are expected to resume this week. Iran has also denied any involvement in an alleged terrorist plot near RAF Fairford, a British base used by U.S. aircraft.
Iran’s embassy in London said it “categorically rejects” claims linking Tehran to the case. British counterterrorism officers detained five men suspected of preparing a terrorist act in a village near the base, though authorities had not concluded whether a state supported any apparent plan.
The investigation comes amid heightened military and diplomatic pressure across the region. British authorities have also faced attacks this year by groups claiming links to Iran, with several incidents targeting Jewish community locations in north London.
U.S. and Iran Prepare for Mediated Contacts
Live Updates: Iran says Trump must choose between war or diplomacy while both sides weigh a possible return to negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in the United States, and Qatari mediators are involved in efforts to reopen communication.
Discussions could focus on a revised seven-day proposal Tehran presented during last week’s United Nations General Assembly. The earlier proposal called for a temporary ceasefire and the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump said Sunday that talks could restart within days but said Iran’s earlier proposal did not meet U.S. expectations.
“They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago.”
Iran has sought terms that would ease immediate military pressure and restore passage through the strait in stages. The United States has continued regional military operations and escorted commercial vessels through the waterway despite Iran’s efforts to regulate or restrict traffic.
Oil Routes Face Continuing Security Risks
The Strait of Hormuz remains vital to Gulf energy exports, and disruption has affected tanker traffic. Producers able to use alternative routes have sought to reduce their dependence on the narrow shipping passage.
Saudi Arabia has resumed exports through its East-West Crude Oil Pipeline after drone strikes earlier this month forced it to shut down. The route moves crude from eastern production areas to Red Sea export terminals and provides an alternative to Gulf shipping.
Saudi Aramco tested the pipeline last week before overseas shipments resumed through the Red Sea route. Saudi authorities blamed the earlier drone attacks on Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
However, the alternative route also carries risks. Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen have threatened Saudi Red Sea ports and vessels, and several ships in the area have already been attacked.
Aviation Sanctions Add to Regional Disruption
Iran has complained to the United Nations over U.S. restrictions on its aviation sector, saying the measures have contributed to widespread flight cancellations. The United States imposed sanctions against Iran’s aviation industry this month and warned companies and countries against continuing to provide assistance.
As the restrictions began taking effect last Wednesday, several countries imposed bans that led major airlines to cancel international services. Iran’s civil aviation chief, Abouzar Shiroudi, said Tehran had filed a formal objection with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
FAQ
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The strait is a crucial route for Gulf oil exports. Restrictions or security threats there can disrupt tanker traffic and increase pressure on other export routes.
What is expected from the U.S.-Iran talks?
The expected mediated contacts may address Iran’s revised ceasefire proposal and the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though major differences remain between Washington and Tehran.
What alternatives does Saudi Arabia have for oil exports?
Saudi Arabia can use the East-West Crude Oil Pipeline to send oil to Red Sea terminals, reducing reliance on Gulf shipping. That route, however, remains exposed to security threats in the Red Sea.