TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has said Iran is prepared to resume war with the United States if necessary, but the door to diplomacy remains open. In an interview with US media, Araqchi said Iran was prepared to stand against any new aggression, even if it resulted in a devastating war. He said Tehran was also determined to pursue diplomacy, adding that the next step depended on US President Donald Trump. Araqchi said the Iranian delegation had explored all avenues of diplomacy during meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, including discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and informal contacts with US officials. He said that despite these efforts, Trump’s public statements had conveyed a different message. According to Araqchi, Iran had not received any official communication through intermediaries despite the US president’s remarks. Trump had rejected an Iranian proposal and warned that the country could face severe attacks. Araqchi said Iran had been prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of an agreement to end the conflict. Tehran had also sought the release of frozen Iranian assets and funds, as well as permission to resume oil sales. Referring to a memorandum of understanding reached in Islamabad through Pakistani mediation in June, Araqchi said the conditions were not new and had been part of commitments previously made by the United States. “There is no reason to return to diplomacy,” Araqchi said, while adding that he was still pursuing diplomatic efforts because he believed no opportunity for peace should be missed. The Iranian foreign minister also dismissed any connection between Tehran’s position and the upcoming US midterm elections, saying Iran was focused on its national interests. Trump had previously warned Iran of severe consequences if a negotiated solution was not reached, while also suggesting that a deal could become possible after the US midterm elections. Araqchi said a negotiated solution based on respect, fairness and recognition of the legitimate rights and demands of the Iranian people was the only way forward. He added that Iran had already demonstrated its strength to the international community by confronting challenges in the military, diplomatic and economic spheres, as well as US sanctions.
