On the diplomatic track, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that his country is studying the US proposals and intends to provide an official response to them, while the exchange of messages via intermediaries continues.
The official added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not rule out launching a strike against Iran, pointing out that American positions are constantly changing, as Washington sometimes appears headed toward launching an attack, before US President Donald Trump announced that he would not attack Iran before the midterm elections scheduled for November 3.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that his country will not abandon negotiations, pointing out that Tehran is reviewing the proposals exchanged through intermediaries in preparation for finalizing them.
Pezeshkian stated that Iran's goal is to "end the conflict while guaranteeing Iran's legitimate rights under international law," at a time when indirect contacts between Tehran and Washington are ongoing.
Trump had announced that the United States would not launch an attack on Iran before the midterm elections, noting that Washington is holding "fruitful talks" with Tehran.
Trump mentioned in a post on the "Truth Social" platform that Iran is going through a "very bad" economic and military situation, and that the blockade imposed on it is "in full force and effect." He also noted the passage of 22 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, saying that oil is flowing through it in record quantities.
In a military context, Axios reported that US officials briefed Israel on military preparations for the possibility of carrying out operations against Iran, without a final decision being made regarding the resumption of a large-scale attack.
According to the website, any return to fighting could include intensive strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also held a conversation with senior US officials regarding military preparations for the possible resumption of operations.
Axios pointed out that Zamir warned that the resumption of war could lead to the postponement of Israeli elections, amid estimates that Iran would respond with missile attacks on Israel.
The Atlantic magazine reported that the White House asked the US Department of Defense to prepare options for striking targets in Iran before the midterm elections, noting that the scale of the strikes and potential targets are still under discussion.
On the diplomatic track, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that his country is studying the American proposals and intends to submit an official response to them, as the exchange of messages through mediators continues.
Araghchi explained that Tehran put forward an initiative called the "Seven-Day Plan" and listened in return to the American viewpoints, confirming that the negotiation process is ongoing.
In late September, Iran had put forward the "Seven-Day Plan" through intermediaries aimed at de-escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, in preparation for resuming negotiations with the United States, while Washington did not agree to the plan.
Iran and the United States have exchanged proposals over the past weeks aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, without reaching an agreement to end the confrontation so far.
