Iran ready for war but open to diplomacy: Araghchi
Photo: REUTERS
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran remains open to “real diplomacy” while maintaining readiness to confront any new US attacks, “even if it comes to an apocalyptic war”.
He added that his country stands prepared to resume fighting with the US but has not yet abandoned diplomatic channels, following President Donald Trump’s public rejection of a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking on “Meet the Press” on Sunday, when asked about a Wall Street Journal report indicating that Trump could seek to resume bombing after the US midterm elections, Araghchi said, “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. At the same time, we stand ready for diplomacy. It is up to President Trump to choose.”
Iran submitted a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal maritime passage through the critical global oil chokepoint within seven days, conveying the plan to the US through mediator Qatar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Trump announced on Saturday that he had turned down that proposal, telling reporters, “I rejected their deal. They want to make a deal where they open the strait immediately because they’re losing so badly.”
However, Araghchi informed moderator Kristen Welker on Sunday that mediators had not yet officially communicated the rejection to Iran, despite Trump’s public remarks. Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran stands ready to reopen the strait as part of an agreement ending the conflict.
He noted that in exchange, “we want our monies, our assets, which are illegally frozen, to be released. We want to be able to sell our oil.”
Araghchi emphasized that these conditions are “not new” and reflect prior commitments by the US, referencing the memorandum of understanding that both nations signed in June establishing a framework for a temporary ceasefire.
The agreement collapsed within days following fresh exchanges of strikes. Regarding the diplomatic effort, Araghchi said, “If you ask us, there is no reason why we should go back to diplomacy. But I am still trying diplomacy because I think we shouldn’t miss any chance for peace.”
Addressing political speculation, he remarked, “We don’t care about US midterm elections. We care about our national interests.”
Prior to Araghchi’s interview, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told “Meet the Press” that the US rejected the proposal for “a number of reasons,” explaining that the US could not allow Iran “to have access to billions in frozen funds.”
Waltz added, “I think this was a pretty cynical attempt to put something on the table that they knew was unacceptable, to ask for the release of the blockade, the sanctions, international sanctions and access to billions in assets.”
Waltz questioned “who’s calling the shots in Iran right now,” and accused Iran of violating the previous memorandum of understanding by attacking international shipping.
He added, “I think it’s kind of common sense that the president doesn’t have a lot of confidence this time after we just tried a few months ago. What I can tell you is the president will leave all options on the table to ensure the world is safe from Iran holding the world hostage with a nuclear weapon.”
When asked about acceptable terms for Trump, Waltz declined to outline specifics, saying, “I’m not going to negotiate for the president. This is about keeping the next generation safe from Iran threatening the world with a nuclear weapon.”
Last week, Trump noted that he was still evaluating whether to “annihilate” Iran or negotiate an agreement. He commented, “I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election because it doesn’t make sense for them not to. They’re waiting to see how I do in the midterm election.”
Meanwhile, recent polling indicates that Democrats hold an advantage heading into the November midterms. The latest NBC News Decision Desk Poll showed that 31 percent of respondents approved of Trump’s handling of the Iran war, whereas 69 percent disapproved.
Source: NBC News (adapted)
