Iran Ready for Conflict but Open to Diplomacy, Says Minister
Iran Prepared for Conflict, Yet Diplomacy Remains Possible
In a recent interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Iran is ready to resume hostilities with the United States, following President Donald Trump’s rejection of a proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, Araghchi emphasized that Iran has not completely abandoned diplomatic efforts.
“We are fully prepared for the time for the war to be resumed, and I repeat, we stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war,”
Araghchi made this statement during an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, in response to a Wall Street Journal article suggesting Trump might consider renewed military action after the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Last week, Iran proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal maritime traffic through this crucial global oil passage within one week. This offer was communicated to the U.S. via Qatar, a mediator, during discussions at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
On Saturday, Trump publicly dismissed this proposal, stating, “I rejected their deal. They want to make a deal where they open the strait immediately because they’re losing so badly.”
Despite the President’s remarks, Araghchi noted that the rejection had not been formally conveyed to Iran through any mediators. He reiterated Iran’s willingness to reopen the strait as part of a broader agreement to end hostilities, insisting that the release of Iranian assets currently frozen abroad is a crucial part of any negotiations.
“We want our monies, our assets, which are illegally frozen, to be released. We want to be able to sell our oil,”
he stated. Araghchi asserted that these demands are not new and refer to commitments previously made by the U.S., including a memorandum of understanding signed in June that outlined a temporary ceasefire, which quickly fell apart due to renewed attacks.
“If you ask us, there is no reason why we should go back to diplomacy,” Araghchi remarked. “But I am still trying diplomacy because I think we shouldn’t miss any chance for peace.”
He emphasized that Iran’s focus remains on its national interests, rather than the political dynamics of the U.S. midterm elections.
Prior to Araghchi’s interview, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz commented on the rejected proposal, stating it was dismissed for several reasons, including the U.S. stance against allowing Iran access to billions in frozen assets.
“I think this was a pretty cynical attempt to put something on the table that they knew was unacceptable,”
Waltz added, questioning who currently holds power in Iran and highlighting the country’s past violations of agreements by targeting international shipping.
Waltz also conveyed that Trump is determined to keep all options available to prevent Iran from posing a nuclear threat. When asked about what type of deal Trump would accept, he refrained from speculating.
“This is about keeping the next generation safe from Iran threatening the world with a nuclear weapon,”
he stated.
Last week, Trump hinted at the possibility of either “annihilating” Iran or reaching a deal, expressing confidence that an agreement could be struck post-election, as he believes Iran is waiting to assess the results of the midterms.
Current polls indicate that Democrats hold an edge ahead of the November elections, with the latest NBC News Decision Desk Poll showing only 31% approval for Trump’s handling of the Iran situation, while 69% disapprove.
Freddie Clayton is a freelance journalist based in London.
Source Reference: Iran ‘fully prepared’ for war to resume but diplomacy not over yet, foreign minister says