WASHINGTON — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that his country is fully prepared for a “doomsday war” with the US, but claimed the regime prefers peace.
“We stand firm in the face of any aggression against us, even when it comes to a doomsday war,” Araghchi told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. “At the same time, we are ready for diplomacy.”
Araghchi pointed to Iran’s seven-day cease-fire proposal as a “very reasonable plan on the table,” despite President Trump’s decision to reject that overture.
The proposal purportedly entailed the US unfreezing some $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, ending the blockade, and easing sanctions in exchange for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump argued that the proposal wasn’t acceptable, and top administration officials contended that it asked the US to make too many concessions up front.
“I have to say that although we heard from President Trump that he is rejecting this deal, but we are still waiting for an official response through the mediators,” Araghchi noted.
