Iran Firm with US: No Military Solution for Middle East War!
A high-ranking Iranian diplomat has asserted that there will be no military solution to the war between the United States and the Islamic Republic. This statement was made amidst discussions aimed at ending the conflict, which appears to have reached a deadlock.
According to AFP on Monday (5/10/2026), massive bombing campaigns failed to decisively end the war launched by the US and Israel in late February. In recent weeks, Washington has reduced military operations to prioritise economic pressure.
The primary point of contention remains Iran’s attempts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for Gulf oil and gas—where a British maritime agency reported on Sunday that another tanker had been struck by an unknown projectile.
“If our enemies choose the path of military confrontation again, our response will be harder than before, and we will defend ourselves with even greater strength,” stated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a meeting with foreign ambassadors.
“There is no military solution, nor a solution based on new sanctions,” he continued, adding that “only negotiations based on justice and equality” can end the conflict.
Both parties had previously agreed to a memorandum of understanding in June, outlining a framework for a permanent resolution; however, Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz triggered the resumption of US military operations.
Iran has sought to impose control over the vital shipping lane since the beginning of the war, attacking ships attempting to pass without their permission. In response, the US has implemented a counter-blockade against Iranian ports and has also attacked vessels accused of violating the blockade.
On Sunday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz “reported being hit by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the engine room,” although the entire crew was reported safe and no environmental impact was recorded. The agency did not specify the date of the incident, the origin or destination of the vessel, or whether it was an oil tanker or an LNG carrier.
In Iran, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, according to a statement from the presidential office on Sunday, amidst the ongoing US blockade on the country’s oil exports. In a news broadcast regarding the minister’s resignation, state television aired an interview with an official from the Iranian presidential office, stating that Paknejad had previously submitted his resignation for “personal reasons,” but the request was denied.
The official added that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had initially asked Paknejad to remain in office, but has now accepted the decision as the minister insisted on stepping down.
The presidency stated that Paknejad’s position has been replaced by Hamid Bovard, the Chief Executive of the National Iranian Oil Company.