Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Thursday that while the country does not seek war with either the United States or Israel, it is prepared to respond if attacked again. Speaking in Beirut at the start of a two-day visit to Lebanon, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s willingness to enter negotiations regarding its nuclear program, provided that these discussions are based on mutual respect rather than directives from Washington.
Iran’s Warning Amid Regional Tensions
Araghchi’s remarks come amid heightened concerns that Israel, a close ally of the U.S., may target Iran again, following its military actions during a 12-day conflict in June. That conflict resulted in the deaths of numerous Iranian military leaders and scientists, as well as U.S. airstrikes on critical Iranian nuclear facilities. “America and Israel have tested their attack on Iran, and this strategy faced extreme failure,” Araghchi stated. “If they repeat it, they will face the same results.”
He further asserted, “We are ready for any choice. We don’t desire a war, but we are ready for it.” This statement reflects Iran’s ongoing commitment to its defense capabilities while simultaneously advocating for dialogue.
The backdrop to these escalating tensions includes Donald Trump’s reimposition of a “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran in February 2020, aimed at halting the country’s nuclear weapons development. This campaign led to U.S.-led strikes on three significant Iranian enrichment facilities in June, following Iran’s advancement in uranium enrichment up to 60% purity—a level that is a short technical step from weapons-grade.
Prospects for Negotiations
During his statements in Beirut, Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s readiness for negotiations, emphasizing that meaningful dialogue should be framed around mutual interests rather than unilateral demands. “We believe that once the Americans reach the outcome that constructive and positive negotiations rather than ordering dictation are the framework, then the results of these negotiations become fruitful,” he noted.
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. Nonetheless, the West, alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, citing evidence of an organized weapons program that existed until 2003. In December 2020, Trump warned that further military strikes could occur if Iran sought to revive its nuclear program, as he discussed strategies with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in Florida.
As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities and the potential for renewed conflict in the region. The stakes are high, with both diplomatic and military options on the table as Iran positions itself in response to external pressures.
