Iran Open to US Talks but Ready for New War, Araghchi Warns

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran will choose diplomacy or face a fresh conflict with Washington. He warns that any new American attack would fail just like the last one.

Iran US talks remain possible, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. But Tehran is equally ready for a new military conflict with Washington. He warned that another round of American aggression would end as fruitlessly as the earlier one.

Tehran Is Prepared for Both Paths

Araghchi spoke in an interview with the American TV network NBC.

“We are fully ready if a new round of aggression begins. We will withstand any aggression, even if it is a doomsday war. At the same time, we are ready for diplomatic talks. The choice is up to President (US Donald) Trump.”

He added that a resumed American offensive would lead to another failed conflict between Tehran and Washington.

What the Iran US Talks Need to Move Forward

Araghchi stressed that Iran is fully prepared for a diplomatic solution. But there is one condition. Washington must accept Iran’s seven point plan.

Earlier, the foreign minister said Tehran had sent Washington a seven day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The plan went through mediators. Trump said he had rejected the Iranian offer.

Even so, Araghchi said late on Saturday night that Iran still awaits a final answer from the mediators. That answer covers Washington’s response to Iran’s Hormuz proposals. He said this despite Trump’s statement.

How the Hormuz Crisis Escalated

In mid June, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum. It aimed to start a process toward a peace deal. The Iran US talks seemed to gain momentum.

Three weeks later, a new escalation began. Washington accused Tehran of shelling commercial ships in Hormuz. After that, both sides resumed trading strikes. Right now, ships cannot pass freely through the Strait of Hormuz.