28 September 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran is fully prepared for the possible resumption of war with the United States, warning that Iran would stand firm even if the confrontation escalates into what he described as a “doomsday war.”
At the same time, Araghchi said Iran remains open to diplomacy and negotiations, leaving the door open for a possible agreement to end the conflict.
Araghchi Says Iran Is Ready for War and Diplomacy
In an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Araghchi said Iran was prepared to respond to any renewed US military action.
“We are ready for diplomacy. We are ready for war at the same time,” he said, adding that Iran would stand firm against any new aggression, even if it resulted in a “doomsday war.”
Araghchi said Iran’s national interests, rather than the upcoming US midterm elections, would determine Tehran’s position.
Iran Still Keeping Diplomacy Open
Despite the strong warning, Araghchi stressed that Iran had not abandoned diplomacy.
He said there was no reason for Tehran to return to negotiations after previous agreements broke down, but added that Iran was still pursuing diplomacy because it did not want to miss an opportunity for peace.
Strait of Hormuz at Centre of Proposal
A major part of Iran’s diplomatic proposal involves the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for global energy shipments.
Araghchi said Iran was prepared to reopen the strait if the United States met certain conditions, including ending military pressure, releasing frozen Iranian assets, lifting the blockade and allowing Iran to sell its oil.
Iran has said the proposed arrangement could lead to the resumption of broader negotiations, including discussions over its nuclear programme.
Trump Rejects Iranian Proposal
Araghchi’s comments followed US President Donald Trump’s public rejection of Tehran’s proposal.
According to reports, Trump rejected an arrangement under which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened as part of a broader agreement. US officials have also questioned whether Iran’s conditions, including access to frozen assets, were acceptable.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said Washington rejected the proposal for several reasons, including Iran’s demand for access to billions of dollars in frozen funds.
Nuclear Programme Remains a Key Issue
Iran’s nuclear programme remains one of the central issues in the confrontation.
Araghchi maintained that Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful and said Tehran was prepared to negotiate over its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%.
He indicated that Iran was willing to discuss nuclear issues at a later stage as part of confidence-building efforts.
Conflict Has Entered a Dangerous Phase
The latest statements come after months of direct military confrontation between Iran and the United States and Israel.
Previous ceasefire arrangements collapsed after renewed exchanges of strikes, while the Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of contention because of its importance to international shipping and energy markets.
Iran Says Decision Is Now With Washington
Araghchi said the choice between renewed military confrontation and negotiations ultimately rests with Trump.
Iran has indicated that it wants concrete US actions before reopening the maritime route and restarting broader talks. At the same time, Tehran has warned that it is prepared to respond militarily if attacks resume.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid Threats
The contrasting messages from Tehran and Washington show that diplomacy has not completely disappeared despite the increasingly hostile rhetoric.
Araghchi’s remarks combine a warning of military preparedness with an offer to continue negotiations, while US officials have continued to insist that Washington’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities and regional activities must be addressed.
For now, the situation remains fluid, with the possibility of further military action existing alongside diplomatic efforts.