US-Iran peace talks back on track? Tehran confirms what Rubio said on diplomatic efforts even as missiles fly

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Washington is receiving indications through multiple channels that Iran wants to negotiate as the conflict between the two nations escalates. Iran on Monday confirmed receiving proposals and ideas from several mediators aimed at reducing tensions with the United States, news agency IRNA report.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the country’s diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the response of its armed forces. Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Baqaei responded to an IRNA question about recent reports suggesting that Qatar had put forward new initiatives to revive negotiations, including speculation over a proposed 10-day ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.

More from World

It was in reference to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Qatar to offer condolences to Qatari officials following the demise of the former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. Araghchi is understood to have met with his Qatari counterpart and discussed the possibility of reviving peace talks with the US.

Baqaei said, “The proposals put forward through mediators have been conveyed to us, and we have received them. However, I would rather not go into their details at this stage.”

He also said, “I reiterate that the diplomatic apparatus, in coordination with the defenders of the homeland in the Armed Forces, is pursuing its duties.”

“At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran will spare no effort to stop US crimes,” he said.

Rubio hints at 'split' Iranian regime

While speaking to CNN, Rubio maintained that Iran wants to negotiate, but there is a growing split within the regime. “We are receiving signals through multiple channels of Iran’s desire to negotiate, but there is a growing split within the regime," the US secretary of state said.

The remarks from the American diplomat came as the US and Iran continue to exchange military strikes, with Washington saying its operations are a retaliation to Iran's attack on the vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, Rubio said that Iran is using the crucial waterway as leverage in the regional conflict and called on other countries to do more to protect global shipping. While speaking to reporters before travelling to the Philippines, Rubio said the United States would continue taking measures to safeguard maritime traffic but urged other nations to contribute equipment or funding to help share the burden.

Iran vows to retaliate

Iran has vowed to take “appropriate action” as the US unleashes strikes on the nation for the ninth consecutive night, even attacking a nuclear power plant. The plant in question was under development and was located in the southwestern Khuzestan province. The latest clashes between the two nations have put the ceasefire agreed last month under jeopardy.

“The US attack on the Darkhovin power plant, which is under construction, constitutes a dangerous assault on Iran’s peaceful infrastructure,” Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in a statement on the US social media platform X. He maintained that Washington bears “full responsibility for the consequences of escalating insecurity and instability.”

“Iran strongly condemns this aggression and will take appropriate action to defend its national interests and security,” Gharibabadi added. Earlier, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation confirmed that the United States targeted the Darkhovin plant. US argued that they have been launching strikes against Iranian facilities after Tehran attacked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

In retaliation, Iran conducted retaliatory strikes, targeting facilities and bases it says are used by the US military in several regional countries. The exchanges of fire between the two nations came despite them signing a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding in June to end hostilities and reach a lasting peace agreement.

On Monday, Baqaei said,“Negotiation and defense are both means to an end.” He emphasised that the ultimate objective was safeguarding Iran’s national interests, hinting that prolonged war was hurting the nation.