Iran FM Araghchi holds call with Field Marshal Asim Munir amid regional tensions

WEB DESK: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone conversations with Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan as Tehran continued diplomatic outreach over the evolving security situation in the region, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported Monday.

According to IRNA, Araghchi and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Munir discussed matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on regional developments and what Iran described as the consequences of ongoing US and Israeli actions against the country. The two sides also exchanged views on the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and pursuing political solutions to address the current crisis.

In a separate call, Araghchi spoke with his Saudi counterpart for the second time in 24 hours. The ministers reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving regional security and stability, while reaffirming the need for dialogue and coordinated regional engagement.

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are set to begin on Monday afternoon, but declined to set a deadline for reaching an agreement, saying he preferred diplomacy over further bloodshed. Speaking to reporters while returning to Washington from New Jersey, Trump said the talks would commence later in the day, although he did not specify the venue or whether they would involve direct negotiations with Iranian officials or be conducted through intermediaries.

The announcement came after Trump said he had postponed a planned military strike following requests from Iran and regional countries for more time to finalise a deal. He reiterated that any agreement must ensure the “immediate, complete and total” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and eliminate what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat.

IRNA said both the Pakistani and Saudi officials stressed the importance of utilising regional cooperation mechanisms and political initiatives to help reduce tensions and promote stability.

The renewed diplomatic push follows weeks of heightened tensions after US and Israeli military action against Iran, which led Tehran to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The disruption pushed up energy prices, although oil prices fell more than 4% on Monday amid hopes of progress in negotiations. Iranian officials also said discussions with Oman on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz were nearing completion, though Tehran stressed those talks were separate from any decision on reopening the strategic waterway.

Israel, however, maintained a hardline stance, warning it would continue to target Iran if it resumed its nuclear programme or expanded its ballistic missile capabilities, regardless of the outcome of diplomatic efforts. Tehran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons.