Iran ready for defense or diplomacy, says Araghchi, as Tehran awaits US response

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country is prepared to pursue both defense and diplomacy in its dealings with the United States, noting that Tehran’s course of action will depend on the extent of Washington’s rationality and preference for diplomatic solutions.

Speaking on Sunday, Araghchi stated that “the orders of the Supreme Leader to senior military commanders reflect Iran’s determination and the strength of its armed forces, which have grown stronger than before thanks to experience gained from two previous wars.”

The foreign minister explained that “Iran continues its diplomatic efforts in parallel with its readiness for defense,” expressing hope that the American side would act rationally and choose the diplomatic path over other options.

Iran-Qatar consultations proceed without direct US talks

On the diplomatic front, Araghchi revealed that an Iranian delegation led by the deputy foreign minister had visited Qatar to continue consultations with Qatari mediators, who had previously traveled to Tehran in recent weeks.

He stressed that the visit did not involve any preparations for negotiations with the American side, clarifying that discussions on the current proposal, which have lasted two days, are ongoing with the mediators, and efforts are underway to implement it, though no final outcome has been reached yet.

Araghchi noted that reaching results from these consultations depends on the responses from the other side to the questions posed by Iran, affirming that Tehran is continuing its efforts in this direction.

He concluded by expressing hope that the other party would act rationally and prioritize diplomacy, paving the way for understandings that would prevent renewed confrontation.