Iran ready for both diplomacy and war, Araghchi says
Tehran - BORNA - Speaking Sunday afternoon in an interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press," Araghchi responded directly to statements made on the same broadcast by US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, criticizing the American envoy for relying on discredited allegations rather than engaging with actionable diplomatic frameworks.
"It is telling to listen to the US ambassador to the UN desperately clinging to old, unproven allegations," Araghchi said. "Why did they reject Iran's seven-day plan—a proposal capable of restoring normal conditions to the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz? That is a fundamental question the American side must answer."
The top Iranian diplomat questioned the US envoy's familiarity with the document, noting: "It is quite surprising that the US ambassador comments on the seven-day plan when he has evidently not read it. Perhaps a copy was never even delivered to him."
Detailing the mechanics of Tehran’s initiative, Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s proposal offers a practical roadmap to resolve the standoff: "Our proposal is explicit. Iran is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of an agreement to end the war, conditional upon the United States implementing specific, reciprocal measures. These requirements are neither novel nor arbitrary; they represent our fundamental, legitimate rights."
"First and foremost, we demand an end to this war of aggression," Araghchi emphasized. "They launched this conflict eight months ago under the illusion that they could secure victory within two or three days. Eight months have now passed, and we demand an end to this aggression."
Addressing core economic conditions, Araghchi concluded: "We require the immediate release of our illegally frozen assets and funds, and we must be able to sell our oil unhindered. These are clearly defined demands that the United States previously committed to under past agreements. Iran remains ready for diplomacy, but we are equally prepared for war."
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