Iran Prepared for ‘Devastating War’ with US, Says Araghchi

Iran is fully prepared for a possible new war with the United States, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, while stressing that Tehran still wants to keep the door open to a diplomatic solution.

Speaking on NBC News’ Meet the Press on Sunday (September 27), Araghchi said Iran would remain steadfast in the face of any new aggression. He said Iran would not back down even if the situation escalated into a “devastating war.” At the same time, he said Tehran was ready to pursue diplomacy and that the next decision rested with US President Donald Trump.

Last week, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Iran sent a proposal to the United States through Qatari mediators. Under the proposal, Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and allow the resumption of normal maritime traffic.

In return, Iran asked the United States to release frozen Iranian assets and funds and allow Tehran to resume oil sales. Araghchi said the conditions were not new and had also been included in the temporary ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries in June.

However, the June agreement collapsed within days after hostilities resumed. Araghchi also accused the United States of violating the earlier understanding.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he had rejected Iran’s proposal. Araghchi, however, said that although Trump had publicly said he rejected the proposal, Iran had not yet received any formal notification through the mediators.

Araghchi said Iran did not want to miss any opportunity for diplomacy and that no opportunity for peace should be wasted. He also said Iran was not waiting for the outcome of the US midterm elections, adding that Tehran’s national interests were its priority.

Earlier, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the Iranian proposal had been rejected for several reasons. He said the United States could not accept Iran’s demand for the release of a large amount of frozen Iranian funds.

Waltz also accused Iran of violating previous agreements and attacking international shipping. He said those actions had reduced the Trump administration’s confidence in reaching a new agreement with Tehran.

Trump has previously said he was still considering whether to pursue a path aimed at destroying Iran or seek a deal with the country. He also said a deal with Iran could be reached after the November midterm elections.