Iranian Foreign Minister: We do not seek war, but we are fully prepared for it and open to fair negotiation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that his country does not seek war, but at the same time is fully prepared for it, stressing that Tehran is open to negotiation provided that it is based on "fair" foundations and mutual respect, amid escalating tensions with the United States and mutual statements regarding the possibilities of escalation.

In a speech delivered during a conference for ambassadors in Tehran, broadcast by Iranian state television, Araghchi stressed that "the Islamic Republic of Iran does not want war, but it is fully prepared for it," adding that his country "is also ready for negotiations, but these negotiations must be fair and based on equality of rights and mutual respect."

The Iranian minister's statements come after US President Donald Trump said that Iran "wants to negotiate," following his threat to launch military strikes against it if it suppressed internal protests. Israel, a strategic ally of the United States, also expressed its concern about tensions in the region, affirming its readiness for any military scenario that might include Iran.

Iran has been witnessing a wave of widespread protests in several cities for months, which began due to economic conditions and worsening inflation and unemployment, but quickly turned into protest demonstrations against internal policies and the political system.

The authorities responded with increasing repression, which prompted American threats of direct intervention or imposing additional sanctions if violations continued. At the same time, Israel maintains a cautious stance but has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its security from any potential Iranian threat, especially with regard to the nuclear program and ballistic missiles.

Araghchi's statements reflect Iran's attempt to combine demonstrating military readiness with leaving an open window for a political solution, at a time when relations between Tehran and Washington are witnessing renewed tension, amid international fears of the situation sliding towards an open confrontation, in contrast to repeated calls to contain the crisis through diplomatic channels.