Tehra , 28 September (H.S.): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that his country is fully prepared to face the possibility of renewed war with the United States, while continuing efforts to ease tensions through diplomacy.

According to Iran’s international news network Press TV, in an interview with US news broadcaster NBC News, the Iranian foreign minister said Iran was prepared to firmly confront any new US attack, even if the situation escalated into an extremely serious conflict. At the same time, he said Iran remained ready for talks and diplomacy, adding that the decision now rested with US President Donald Trump.

Araghchi’s remarks came amid reports that Trump could consider renewed military action against Iran after the US midterm elections. However, Araghchi said Iran’s own national interests were more important to Tehran than the US elections.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Iranian delegation had pursued diplomatic efforts this week through meetings and media interviews on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, seeking to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said messages coming from Trump had been “contradictory”. According to Araghchi, Trump had publicly said that he had rejected Iran’s proposal, but Tehran had not received any official communication about the decision through mediators.

Abbas Araghchi said Iran was prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of an agreement aimed at ending the war. In return, Tehran wants its frozen funds and assets to be released and permission to resume selling its oil. Iran’s demands are not new, he said, adding that they had been part of previous US commitments. He also referred to a memorandum of understanding reached between the two countries in June, which included a plan for a temporary ceasefire.

He said the agreement brokered by Pakistan broke down within a few days, and Iran has accused the United States of failing to fulfil its responsibilities under the memorandum of understanding.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that under the prevailing circumstances, there were very few reasons for Iran to return to diplomacy. Nevertheless, he said Tehran was continuing to pursue talks because “we shouldn’t miss any chance for peace.”

He said Iran had demonstrated to the world its capabilities in the military, diplomatic and economic spheres, as well as its ability to withstand US sanctions. At the same time, he reiterated that the way forward was through negotiations based on respect and justice, with guarantees for the rights and demands of the Iranian people.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar