"US tying cease-fire talks to reopening of Strait of Hormuz"... Iranian president says "We harbor no hostility toward the US"

[Financial News]

US online outlet Axios reported on the 1st (local time) that the United States of America (US) and the Islamic Republic of Iran are holding cease-fire talks on the condition that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened. In his open letter, the Iranian president stressed that he bears no hostility toward the US or other nations.
Citing three US government officials, Axios reported that while the prospects for an agreement remain uncertain, negotiations are currently under way.
This comes even as the Islamic Republic of Iran has publicly stated that it is not negotiating with the US. It is also unclear whether the talks are being conducted directly between the two countries or indirectly through a third party such as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
On the same day, US President Donald John Trump was reported to have mentioned the possibility of a cease-fire during a phone call with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MbS), the de facto ruler of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Vice President James David Vance was also said to have conveyed to the Islamic Republic of Iran on the 31st of last month, through mediating countries, that Washington is willing to agree to a cease-fire if conditions are met, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Signs have also emerged that the Islamic Republic of Iran is adopting a more conciliatory stance.
According to Press TV and other Iranian outlets, President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed in an open letter addressed to the American people that continuing confrontation is meaningless.
Pezeshkian stated, "The choice between confrontation and communication is a real and serious issue," adding, "Continuing down the path of confrontation ... is costly and meaningless."
He went on to say, "Iranians harbor no hostility toward the United States, Europe, or other countries, including our neighbors," and argued, "The perception of Iran as a threat is a fabrication by great powers, who need an enemy in order to maintain military superiority and dominate strategic markets."
However, it is not known whether this open letter was coordinated with Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, or with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which wields significant power.
In the Islamic Republic of Iran, even when the president makes a decision, final approval rests with the supreme leader.

dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter