Iran FM calls US outreach 'positive step' as delegation heads to Qatar for talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called a US outreach effort a "positive step" but said no meetings are planned, as an Iranian delegation traveled to Qatar for mediated talks on Saturday. Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Tehran studied a letter from US Vice President JD Vance and set conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including lifting sanctions, reducing US forces, restoring oil waivers, and releasing frozen funds. He dismissed talk of direct talks as "media speculation" and said mediators are reviewing proposals on the nuclear dossier. Araghchi said Iran is "prepared for all scenarios" and does not rule out an attack, noting upgraded weaponry and high readiness. Qatari mediators proposed shortening the implementation period for Iran's Hormuz proposal to two days.