Iran Claims US Ambassador Mike Waltz Ignored Strait of Hormuz Proposal Amid Stalled Diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran remains hopeful for a diplomatic resolution and is awaiting an official US response, delivered through mediators, regarding its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a seven-day timeframe. Despite past military escalations during prior negotiations, Mr Araghchi maintained that Iran is prepared to reopen the waterway provided the US fulfills specific conditions, such as halting its campaign of aggression, unfreezing Iranian assets, and permitting oil sales.

Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press , Mr Araghchi emphasized that Tehran's demands are longstanding rights rather than new conditions, questioning why Washington refuses to release funds belonging to Iran prior to the strait's reopening. While asserting that diplomacy has not failed, he expressed deep skepticism about returning to talks with the current US administration, citing instances where Iran claims it was attacked mid-negotiation in both 2025 and February 2026, as well as alleged violations of prior agreements.

In response, US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated on CNN's State of the Union that US President Donald Trump lacks confidence in Iran's good faith regarding the nuclear program and the proposed reopening. Mr Waltz pointed to unreasonable upfront demands—including relief from Operation Economic Fury sanctions and UN snapback measures—alongside alleged Iranian violations of the June memorandum of understanding through shipping attacks.

Addressing these criticisms, Mr Araghchi expressed astonishment at the US stance, suggesting that Mr Waltz may not have actually read the seven-day proposal and defending Iran's adherence to past agreements. Amid ongoing tensions following US and Israeli strikes that began in late February, US President Donald Trump stated in a phone interview with Axios that he anticipates US negotiators will engage in further talks with Iran.