'Prepared for All Scenarios': Iran Warns US Against Renewed Military Aggression
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi warns the US of a harsher response to military aggression while offering a diplomatic plan for resolution.
In a stark warning to Washington, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that Tehran is more prepared than ever for both diplomatic engagement and military confrontation. Speaking to the state news agency IRNA following a visit to Turkmenistan, Araghchi emphasized that while Iran is open to talks, it will not hesitate to respond with force if the United States chooses the path of aggression.
The Choice: Diplomacy or Conflict
According to the Foreign Minister, Iran has already laid out a formulated plan and specific conditions aimed at a diplomatic resolution. He noted that countries like Qatar and Pakistan have been actively involved, facilitating the process through shuttle diplomacy and phone communications.
Araghchi stated that the outcome now hinges entirely on the "political rationality" of the American leadership. He questioned whether the US would choose the "wise path of diplomacy" or continue to push the region toward military operations, as has happened in the past.
A Warning of 'Harsher' Consequences
The Iranian leadership has made it clear that any attempt at deception or renewed military testing by the US would be met with a response that is "far harsher and more regretful than before." Araghchi asserted that Iran will not succumb to coercion.
Key points of Iran's current stance include:
- Military Readiness: Iran claims to have upgraded its weaponry, addressed previous vulnerabilities, and tested new arms, leaving its forces at the highest level of readiness.
- Strategic Leverage: The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of full talks are strictly contingent upon the US unconditionally accepting Iran's "rightful conditions."
- War Readiness: The Foreign Minister explicitly stated that Tehran does not rule out the possibility of war and is prepared for every possible scenario.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Ties
Beyond the tension with the US, Araghchi highlighted that strengthening ties with neighboring nations remains a top priority. During his productive trip to Turkmenistan, he discussed energy, transit, and economic projects with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov. He also briefed them on the status of the Iran-US negotiations and the readiness of the Iranian Armed Forces.
Furthermore, the visit of the deputy secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council to Beijing was described as part of a broader strategic engagement with key partners to maintain regional stability.
The 'Ball is in America's Court'
Adding to the Foreign Minister's warnings, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that the responsibility for moving negotiations forward lies solely with the United States. Baghaei emphasized that Iran's demands—including an end to the US naval blockade—are "reasonable and logical."
He revealed that a seven-step proposal for negotiations is currently on the table, which could be implemented within just two days if Washington meets Tehran's conditions.
The US Perspective
Despite these diplomatic overtures and warnings, the American stance remains cautious. US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington is in no rush to end the conflict. Describing the current hostilities as "not a typical war," Trump maintained that time is on the side of the United States.