Iran Ready for War and Diplomacy at Same Time, Foreign Minister Says

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country remains prepared to resume military confrontation with the United States if necessary, while stressing that Tehran has not abandoned the possibility of a diplomatic resolution.

Speaking from Tehran, Araghchi framed Iran's position as one that keeps both options open simultaneously: readiness for conflict alongside a continued openness to negotiation. The comments come amid ongoing tension between Iran and the United States over a range of issues, including Iran's nuclear program and regional security concerns.

Araghchi's remarks reflect a posture Iranian officials have repeated in various forms in recent public statements, presenting the country as neither seeking war nor willing to be pressured into concessions it considers unacceptable.

The foreign minister's comments did not specify what would trigger renewed fighting or under what conditions Iran might return to substantive talks with Washington. They come against a backdrop of previous rounds of confrontation and negotiation between the two countries that have alternated between periods of heightened military tension and diplomatic engagement.

The dual message of readiness for both war and diplomacy is consistent with Iran's broader strategic messaging, which has sought to project resolve while leaving the door open to a negotiated outcome.