Iran’s Araghchi Praises US Dialogue Bid While Declaring Military Readiness

Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, characterized the United States’ recent effort to initiate direct conversations with Tehran as a constructive development on Saturday. While acknowledging the diplomatic overture, Araghchi emphasized that Tehran remains fully prepared to confront any escalation. An interview with Al Jazeera revealed that the Iranian government has carefully examined a correspondence sent by US Vice President JD Vance during the past week. Despite this engagement, Araghchi maintained that the possibility of renewed military confrontation cannot be dismissed. He stated that Iranian forces have been systematically upgraded, with new weaponry tested and existing vulnerabilities addressed to ensure maximum operational capability. “Our forces are at the highest level of readiness,” he declared, indicating a strategic posture designed to handle all potential scenarios. Araghchi also addressed the economic sanctions imposed by Washington, noting their tangible impact on the nation. However, he insisted that Tehran would not capitulate under such pressure. He argued that the country would overcome this challenging period by relying on its indigenous resources and resilient spirit. The foreign minister confirmed that a delegation led by his deputy has traveled to Doha, Qatar, to advance negotiations with mediators. This diplomatic mission aims to facilitate discussions between Tehran and its adversaries through the involvement of Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries. Araghchi clarified that the primary focus remains on refining Tehran’s specific conditions rather than engaging directly with American officials at this stage. He dismissed reports of an imminent meeting with US representatives as mere media speculation, asserting that no necessity exists for such a contact given the clarity of Iranian demands. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a directive ordering the armed forces to respond immediately to any enemy threat without geographic restrictions. This command was published on his official Telegram channel on Saturday. Khamenei instructed military planners to update target lists to include both physical and non-physical assets belonging to US and Israeli entities. He reserved the right to determine the timing and terms for concluding any renewed military or terrorist assaults. In parallel, state media reported that Iranian officials claimed the US attacked two fishing vessels near Qeshm Island, resulting in the disappearance of two crew members and injuries to one. There has been no immediate verification of this incident from Washington. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia, spokesperson for the Iranian army, warned that a fresh conflict would expand significantly if US President Donald Trump pursues another regional adventure alongside Israel. Akraminia posted on social media X that the flames of war would engulf a much wider area if the American president acts under Zionist influence. He added that the end of the conflict would not be in Trump’s hands. Citing the US President’s history of betraying diplomatic efforts, Akraminia noted that the Iranian military is continuously enhancing its combat readiness while closely monitoring US movements in the region. A Qatari newspaper reported that the Iranian delegation arrived in Doha following a perceived breakthrough in indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington. The mission is described as a step to facilitate further engagement with the Qatari mediator. These events unfold as tensions rise amidst renewed concerns over the prospect of another war in the Middle East.