Iran’s top diplomat says his country is ready for a “doomsday war” with the US even as it holds out for peace talks. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, made the remarks Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Araghchi said Iran is ready for a “doomsday war” with the US even when it comes to a doomsday war. He added that his country would stand firm against any aggression. “We stand firm in the face of any aggression against us.”
But he also stressed that Iran remains open to diplomacy. “At the same time, we are ready for diplomacy,” he said.
Rejecting the Cease-Fire Offer
The comments came days after President Trump rejected a seven-day cease-fire proposal from Iran. The deal would have seen the US unfreeze $12 billion in Iranian assets currently held overseas.
In return, Iran would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal also reportedly included an end to the blockade and eased sanctions.
Top administration officials argued the proposal asked the US to make too many concessions up front. Trump himself rejected the deal, though Araghchi said Iran was still waiting for an official response through the mediators.
“I have to say that although we heard from President Trump that he is rejecting this deal, but we are still waiting for an official response through the mediators,” Araghchi said.
The Peaceful Path
Araghchi described the cease-fire proposal as a “very reasonable plan on the table.” He said Iran remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution, even as he warned of the consequences of war.
The distinction Araghchi drew is significant. He offered negotiations while warning adversaries against provocation.
“We stand firm in the face of any aggression against us, even when it comes to a doomsday war.”
What Comes Next
The situation remains tense. The US has rejected the proposal, but Araghchi’s statement suggests Iran is not closing the door on talks entirely.
The question now is whether the US will respond officially through the mediators, as Araghchi requested. Until then, the diplomatic channel stays open — but so does the threat of conflict.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NBC interview | Sunday |
| Cease-fire proposal presented | Days earlier |
| Deal rejected by Trump | Days earlier |
The US rejection of the proposal leaves the diplomatic path uncertain. Araghchi’s comments suggest Iran is willing to talk, but only on terms it deems acceptable.
Where the paper stands
The paper backs diplomacy between the two countries and is against any move toward a doomsday war. Araghchi’s own words show both sides share the same ground: one side wants peace, the other wants strength. The paper believes the peaceful path is always worth keeping open, even when the threats grow louder.
Iran’s readiness for war and its readiness for talks are not opposites, according to Araghchi. He said Iran stands firm against aggression while remaining open to diplomacy. That is the space where diplomacy can operate, and it is the space the paper wants to see protected.
The reader should watch for signs that either side is closing that door. An official response from the US through the mediators would be a step forward, and silence on either side could be a sign of trouble ahead.
See the a run of 51 images at the New York Post.
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