Araghchi Says Mediator Travel Has Halted Since U.S. Midterm Elections

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on November 8 that mediators seeking an agreement between Iran and the United States had stopped travelling in recent days. In a state-television interview, he linked the interruption to the outcome of the U.S. midterm elections and said Iran would have to wait before deciding how to proceed. “For the past few days, there has been no more travel,” Araghchi said. He described the election results as a shock that needed time to be absorbed, and urged patience until conditions permitted mediator visits to resume. Qatar and Pakistan have been among the regional powers pursuing mediation. Araghchi gave no date for another visit. In an English-language statement that evening, Araghchi said Iran’s two-day proposal remained available and called for an end to fighting on all fronts. He urged the White House to choose an agreement and threatened renewed fighting if Washington chose war. His interview addressed the interruption in mediator travel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said earlier on November 8 that Iran was renewing its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons and that Israel needed to remain ready for every scenario to protect its citizens. Speaking at a ceremony marking 70 years since Operation Kadesh, Katz also warned Hezbollah against joining an Iranian attack.