WASHINGTON — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is prepared to withstand a “doomsday war” with the United States, while stressing that Iran would still prefer to pursue a peaceful resolution.
“We stand firm in the face of any aggression against us, even when it comes to a doomsday war,” Araghchi said Sunday during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “At the same time, we are ready for diplomacy.”
Araghchi described Iran’s proposed seven-day cease-fire as a “very reasonable plan on the table,” even though President Trump has rejected the initiative.
The proposal reportedly called for the United States to release roughly $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, lift the blockade and reduce sanctions. In return, Iran would reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
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Trump said the offer did not meet his requirements, while senior administration officials argued that the plan demanded too many concessions from Washington before Iran made meaningful commitments.
“I have to say that although we heard from President Trump that he is rejecting this deal, we are still waiting for an official response through the mediators,” Araghchi said.
