Iran does not seek war with Israel or the United States but is prepared to respond if attacked, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday (8 January ) as economic protests sweep the country and Tehran's crackdown reportedly intensifies.
Speaking in Beirut, Araghchi said Tehran is also open to negotiations with Washington over its nuclear programme, provided talks are conducted on a basis of mutual respect rather than “dictation” by the U.S.
“America and Israel have tested their attacks on Iran, and these strategies failed,” Araghchi told the press at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport, Lebanon's National News Agency reports.
“If they repeat it, they will face the same results. We are ready for any choice. We do not desire war, but we are ready for it,” he added.
The Iranian minister also emphasised the country’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue over its atomic programme.
“Negotiations should be based on mutual respect and mutual interests,” he said.
“Once the Americans adopt a constructive framework rather than issuing dictations, the results of these talks will be fruitful,” the Iranian FM concluded.
Araghchi’s remarks come amid heightened fears of renewed conflict following last June’s 12-day clashes, when Israel struck Iranian targets (including military officials and nuclear scientists) and the U.S. attacked several nuclear enrichment sites.
Iran resumed uranium enrichment up to 60% purity after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018 under U.S. President Donald Trump, who reimposed sanctions and launched a “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran.
While Iran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful, Western nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have said the country pursued a nuclear weapons programme until 2003.
Trump last month warned Iran that further U.S. military action could follow if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear capabilities, during meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.
Lebanon visit
Araghchi’s two-day visit to Beirut coincided with Lebanon’s military announcement that it had completed the first phase of a plan to disarm militias, including Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Leading an economic delegation, the Iranian minister discussed regional and international affairs with Lebanese officials.
“Iran desires comprehensive relations with Lebanon, including economic partnerships,” he said.
The visit also comes in the context of the October 2023 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, triggered by Hamas attacks on southern Israel.
The war ended with a ceasefire in November 2024, after Israel’s ground and air operations weakened Hezbollah, killed much of its leadership, and required both sides to vacate southern Lebanon in favour of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Trump reportedly lashed out at Netanyahu on Monday over Israel's escalation in Lebanon, describing the Israeli leader as "crazy" and warning that furt...
A launch ceremony marking the commissioning of the modernised Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line was held at Akhalkalaki station in Georgia on 2 Ju...
When Armenians vote on 7 June, they will be voting in an election shaped by months of political change and a rapidly deepening relationship with the E...
Baku Energy Week has opened in Azerbaijan, bringing together global energy leaders to discuss energy security, green energy and regional cooperation, ...
Okinawa lost transport links and suffered widespread power outages on Monday (1 June) as Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought destructive winds and he...
Afghanistan’s consul general in Mashhad and the governor of Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province have discussed expanding trade, improving border transit and accelerating the transfer of Afghan prisoners.
Central Asia is facing growing water stress after five consecutive years of drought, with rising temperatures, depleted soil moisture and shrinking groundwater reserves placing increasing pressure on the region, according to a new EU report.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said on Monday they targeted the source of an attack on a telecom facility on Sirik Island near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Tasnim News Agency reported.
Donald Trump said he is “in no hurry” to reach a deal with Iran, insisting the U.S. is slowly getting what it wants. He warned military action remains an option if talks fail. Meanwhile, U.S. forces said they fired a missile at a vessel trying to breach Washington’s blockade of Iran.
Okinawa lost transport links and suffered widespread power outages on Monday (1 June) as Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought destructive winds and heavy rain to Japan's south-western islands.
Competing narratives continue to shape perceptions of the war in Ukraine, with Russian leadership suggesting a possible end phase while Ukrainian officials warn of renewed large-scale attacks and ongoing escalation risks.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with Lebanese President and Israeli Prime Minister on efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Lebanon. According to a U.S. official, Washington has proposed a plan aimed at achieving a gradual de-escalation of hostilities.
Unsealed records from the U.S. Department of Justice have renewed scrutiny of lawyer Robert Amsterdam after documents revealed communications between his law firm and Jeffrey Epstein's office. The disclosures have drawn attention because of Amsterdam's prominent role in Armenia.
When Armenians vote on 7 June, they will be voting in an election shaped by months of political change and a rapidly deepening relationship with the European Union. The result may not only determine who governs Armenia but also the future direction of the country's geopolitical alignment.
A launch ceremony marking the commissioning of the modernised Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line was held at Akhalkalaki station in Georgia on 2 June, bringing together senior officials from Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye.
Baku Energy Week has opened in Azerbaijan, bringing together global energy leaders to discuss energy security, green energy and regional cooperation, underscoring the country's growing strategic role in Eurasian connectivity.
When Armenians vote on 7 June, they will be voting in an election shaped by months of political change and a rapidly deepening relationship with the European Union. The result may not only determine who governs Armenia but also the future direction of the country's geopolitical alignment.
Kazakhstan is open to expanding its oil export routes through Azerbaijan and advancing joint energy infrastructure projects across the Caspian region, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov told AnewZ in an exclusive interview in Baku.
Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova praised Georgia for resisting Western pressure (30 May), defending its national interests and pursuing a "multi-vector foreign policy" - language that closely mirrors the rhetoric of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment