Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arachghi on Wednesday defended his efforts to end the war with the US amid criticism from within political circles. Mr Araghchi fielded three hours of questions from members of Iran's parliament, the Islamic Consultative Assembly, which could in theory hear a motion on his impeachment after it was filed by a critical MP. The case relates to claims that Mr Araghchi overstepped by holding a meeting with US officials in New York without the permission of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. MPs also informed Mr Araghchi of "public concern" about Iran's unity and cohesion, state media said. It is the latest hint of division within Iran's political circles, which have been reshaped by the war and the killing of senior figures such as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mr Araghchi said the delegation he led at the UN General Assembly in New York had "explained Iran's positions in the most eloquent and authoritative manner possible". He said his team had followed the instructions of "competent authorities" in Iran. "Iran showed in New York that it is tough in defending itself and serious in using diplomacy to ensure national security," state media quoted Mr Araghchi as saying. Mr Araghchi is proposing a "seven-day plan" that would count down to reopening the Strait of Hormuz in a week if the US accepts Iran's conditions. US President Donald Trump has re...
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