Iran ready for war with US but keeps door open to diplomacy: Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran was fully prepared to resume fighting with the United States while keeping the door open to diplomacy. “We stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war, ” Araghchi told NBC News on Sunday. “At the same time, we stand ready for diplomacy. It is up to President Trump to choose. ” Asked about a Wall Street Journal report that US President Donald Trump could seek to resume strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections, Araghchi said Tehran had exhausted diplomatic avenues during meetings and media engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. He said Iran had sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of an agreement to end the war, but Trump’s messages had been contradictory. Trump said on Saturday that he had rejected an Iranian proposal, but Araghchi said Tehran had not yet received an official rejection through mediators. Araghchi reiterated that Iran was prepared to reopen the Strait as part of a deal that would also secure the release of its frozen funds and assets and allow it to resume oil sales. He said the conditions were not new and were already covered by commitments under a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries in June that outlined a temporary ceasefire. The agreement, mediated by Pakistan, broke down within days after Washington failed to meet its obligations, according to Araghchi. “If you ask us, there is no reason why we should go back to diplomacy, ” he said. “But I am still trying diplomacy because I think we shouldn’t miss any chance for peace. ” Araghchi said Iran was not concerned about US midterm elections and was focused on its national interests. Trump has threatened to “annihilate” Iran if no agreement is reached while saying he expects a deal after the midterm elections. Araghchi said there was no path forward other than a negotiated solution based on dignity and justice and respect for the rights and demands of the Iranian people. He added that Iran had already demonstrated its capabilities in military, diplomatic and economic spheres, including in confronting sanctions.

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