Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a stark warning to the United States, stating that his country is prepared for war if Washington chooses to take military action against it. The threat came in response to US President Donald Trump's recent comments about considering "strong options" for Iran, including potential strikes.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, Araghchi said that while channels of communication with the US are open, his country is not interested in dialogue under pressure or threats. Instead, he hopes that Washington will choose the "wise option" of engaging in constructive talks on Iran's nuclear program.
However, Araghchi made it clear that Iran is no longer willing to be intimidated by the US. He claimed that his country has significantly enhanced its military preparedness since last year's 12-day war with Israel, and warned that if Washington decides to test its military capabilities, Iran will be ready.
The Iranian foreign minister also expressed concerns about the role of extremist elements infiltrating protests in Iran, which he claims are being fueled by US and Israeli interference. He blamed these external forces for provoking unrest in the country, which has resulted in over 100 security personnel deaths.
Despite the tensions, Araghchi acknowledged that there have been regular communications between him and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as discussions about Iran's nuclear program. However, he emphasized that Washington's proposals are not acceptable to Tehran and warned that any future talks must be conducted on a basis of equality and fairness.
The situation remains volatile, with the White House weighing its options for responding to the growing unrest in Iran. The US President has hinted at taking strong action against the country, but it is unclear whether he will ultimately follow through with military strikes or choose a more diplomatic approach.
As tensions escalate, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned Washington that any military intervention would be met with severe consequences, including targeting the US military and Israel. Meanwhile, White House officials have accused Iran of sending mixed signals to the US, but it remains to be seen how this will impact the situation.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, Araghchi said that while channels of communication with the US are open, his country is not interested in dialogue under pressure or threats. Instead, he hopes that Washington will choose the "wise option" of engaging in constructive talks on Iran's nuclear program.
However, Araghchi made it clear that Iran is no longer willing to be intimidated by the US. He claimed that his country has significantly enhanced its military preparedness since last year's 12-day war with Israel, and warned that if Washington decides to test its military capabilities, Iran will be ready.
The Iranian foreign minister also expressed concerns about the role of extremist elements infiltrating protests in Iran, which he claims are being fueled by US and Israeli interference. He blamed these external forces for provoking unrest in the country, which has resulted in over 100 security personnel deaths.
Despite the tensions, Araghchi acknowledged that there have been regular communications between him and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, as well as discussions about Iran's nuclear program. However, he emphasized that Washington's proposals are not acceptable to Tehran and warned that any future talks must be conducted on a basis of equality and fairness.
The situation remains volatile, with the White House weighing its options for responding to the growing unrest in Iran. The US President has hinted at taking strong action against the country, but it is unclear whether he will ultimately follow through with military strikes or choose a more diplomatic approach.
As tensions escalate, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned Washington that any military intervention would be met with severe consequences, including targeting the US military and Israel. Meanwhile, White House officials have accused Iran of sending mixed signals to the US, but it remains to be seen how this will impact the situation.