Iran calls US letter a ‘positive step’ — but says no meeting with America yet

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has called a letter from the United States about reopening talks a “positive step”. But he said Iran has no plans to meet US officials for now.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, Araghchi said Iran had studied the letter from US Vice President JD Vance in high-level meetings. “The American side’s attempt to open the door to dialogue and understanding more broadly is a positive step,” he said. He warned that if Washington’s aim was “to stir up discord, it would be yet another mistake.”

Araghchi then set out Tehran’s price for progress. Iran wants sanctions imposed after the Islamabad memorandum lifted, US forces in the region reduced, oil waivers restored, and all of its frozen funds released, including money held in Qatar. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz on those terms, he said, would pave the way for renewed negotiations with Washington. Mediators have also put forward nuclear proposals, which Iran is reviewing, and Qatari and Pakistani mediators are continuing consultations on Tehran’s conditions. An aide of Araghchi’s is in Doha for the talks.

On Hormuz itself, Araghchi said talks with Qatari mediators had shortened the time needed to carry out Iran’s reopening plan from five days to two. Iran is also asking for recognition of shipping routes through the strait that it discussed with Oman. He also said Iran does not rule out a new attack and its forces are ready for every scenario. “We have upgraded our weaponry, addressed our vulnerabilities, and tested new arms,” he said, adding that Iran “will not surrender”.

Why it matters

This is the clearest sign yet that the door to talks is open. Iran is welcoming the American approach, but it is setting a high price — sanctions relief, freed-up money and fewer US troops — before meeting American officials. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil routes, so any deal to reopen it fully would matter far beyond Iran and the US, including for fuel prices in Pakistan.

What happens next

Watch the consultations in Doha and whether Washington answers Iran’s conditions. The US midterm elections are due on Tuesday, and reports have suggested strikes could resume after the vote, so the next few days will show whether this opening leads to talks or more fighting.

This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.

Sources

• https://barbadosgazette.com/iran-fm-says-us-outreach-a-positive-step-as-delegation-in-qatar-for-talks/ (Barbados Gazette, 31 October 2026, carrying the Al Jazeera report)
• https://jbiznews.com/araghchi-says-vances-letter-positive-step-toward-opening-dialogue-between-iran-us/ (JBizNews, 31 October 2026)