Saudi Foreign Minister in US for Talks Amid Iran Tensions

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Washington, D.C. early Monday for talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions will focus on bilateral relations and review regional and international developments, according to a statement from the Saudi foreign ministry.

The visit occurs amidst heightened tensions involving Iran, with which Saudi Arabia is engaged in an escalating conflict in Yemen. Saudi Arabia supports the internationally recognized Yemeni government in its fight against the Iran-aligned Houthis.

Iran's Stance on Diplomacy and Conflict

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is prepared to resume war with the U.S. and will stand firm "even if it comes to a doomsday war." However, he also indicated that "there is always hope for diplomacy." Araghchi expressed doubt regarding the Trump administration's intentions, citing their past behavior. "We have no reason, to be honest with you, we have no reason to come back to diplomacy and engage with this administration once again, because of their behavior in the past two years," he said in an interview.

Araghchi added that Iran is ready for diplomacy and war simultaneously. "Now there is a very reasonable plan on the table. If they reject it for no reason, this is their fault," he commented.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, expressed expectations for more talks with Iran this week, suggesting the country desires a deal. "They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago. They overplayed their hand," Trump told Axios in a piece published Sunday.

When asked about the possibility of new strikes against Iran, Trump responded, "I am always thinking about it."

Strait of Hormuz Activity

Trump also reported that more than 20 million barrels of oil transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, which he claimed was the largest volume since the start of the war. "Last night, we took a record amount of oil out from the Hormuz Strait — more than we took out before the war,” Trump told reporters earlier Sunday.

The U.S. initially announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran aimed at a war-ending deal began in June based on a memorandum of understanding. These talks faltered as the countries continued to exchange strikes, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a key flashpoint. In August, Trump stated the U.S. would launch a "crushing economic operation" to compel Tehran's submission.