Iran’s Foreign Minister has declared that discussions with the United States are no longer a consideration as the conflict reaches its eleventh day. This statement marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations amid escalating tensions in the region.

Abbas Araghchi, speaking to PBS News, emphasized that engaging with the Americans is off the table, citing a “very bitter experience” from past negotiations. This sentiment reflects the deep-rooted mistrust that has complicated US-Iran relations over the years.

The current conflict was ignited on February 28 when the US and Israel launched strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This aggressive action has since fanned the flames of war throughout the Middle East.

These strikes occurred just days before a scheduled meeting between Washington and Tehran, which would have been their fourth round of talks. Omani mediators, who had been facilitating these discussions, noted prior to the attacks that there had been “significant progress.”

In retaliation, Iran has launched a series of drone and missile strikes targeting both Israeli and US interests across the region, further escalating the conflict.

The turmoil has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil is transported. This disruption has significant implications for global oil markets and highlights the broader impacts of the ongoing conflict.

Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted oil tankers passing through the strategic waterway since the war began.

In the interview with PBS News, Araghchi insisted that Iran was acting in “self-defence”.

“We are prepared, we have been prepared to continue attacking them with our missiles as long as needed and as long as it takes,” he said.

Late on Monday, Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said some countries in the region and elsewhere had reached out to Iran to push for a ceasefire.

“China, Russia and France, and even some countries in the region, are in contact with us,” he told state TV.

“Some of them are willing to do something to stop this war or establish a ceasefire.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said France and its allies are preparing a “defensive” mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Gharibabadi said Iran “did not start the aggression and the war… we are defending ourselves”.

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