Araghchi: Iran is ready for a new war with the U.S., but does not reject diplomacy
Iran is ready for a resumption of military conflict with the United States, but still considers a diplomatic settlement possible.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said this in an interview with NBC News.
"We are fully prepared for a resumption of the war. We will resolutely resist any new aggression we face, even if it escalates into a Judgment Day war. At the same time, we are also ready for diplomacy. The choice is up to U.S. President Donald Trump," he said.
The statement came after Trump publicly rejected Tehran's proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz and end the conflict.
According to Araghchi, an official refusal has not yet been conveyed to Iran through intermediaries.
Tehran is proposing to open the Strait of Hormuz if the United States meets a number of conditions, including an end to hostilities, the unblocking of Iranian assets, the lifting of the blockade, and the possibility of exporting oil. According to the proposed sequence, the strait could be opened on the sixth day, and on the seventh the parties would be able to return to talks on a final agreement.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran continues to consider the diplomatic path possible.
"I think we should not miss any chance for peace," the head of the Foreign Ministry said.
