Iran engages US in 'intensive' negotiations to avert fresh war outbreak

Iran on Monday confirmed it has engaged Washington in "intensive" exchanges and has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under strict conditions, as efforts escalate to avert a return to war. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said indirect talks were taking place via mediators. China also urged a return to negotiations, while Iran's security chief discussed the conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Oil prices – sent rocketing by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz energy corridor – dropped more than six percent on Monday, optimistic over steps to halt the eight-month-old conflict. "Given the sensitivity and gravity of the current situation, consultations and deliberations are very intensive," Araghchi said in a video interview with the official IRNA news agency. "Qatar and Pakistan are playing a very active mediating role in these negotiations." The Axios news outlet reported that US Vice President JD Vance had sent a letter to Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei about possible new talks, marking the highest-level move in months. Read moreTrump says US may launch ‘another little Epic Fury’ attack on Iran The redoubled diplomatic push comes...