Araghchi: Iran Fully Prepared for Both War and Peace
Foreign Minister Says Tehran Seeks Fair Agreement but Will Never Surrender Under US Threats
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the Islamic Republic is fully prepared for both war and peace, stressing that Iran does not seek conflict but will decisively defend itself if war is imposed.
In an interview with India Today, Araghchi stated that Iran is capable of reaching a fair, balanced, and just agreement through diplomacy, while maintaining full military readiness. His remarks came as he departed for Geneva to participate in the third round of talks with the US negotiating team.
“We are completely prepared for both options—war and peace,” Araghchi said.
Diplomacy Backed by Deterrence
Araghchi said the previous round of talks produced progress and a form of mutual understanding, creating the basis for a possible agreement. However, he emphasized that Iran’s armed forces remain fully prepared to carry out their duties and defend the country.
“We have learned many lessons from the previous war,” he said, adding that Iran’s current readiness is significantly higher than before.
“Being prepared for war is how you prevent it. Otherwise, you invite war into your own home.”
He underlined that Iran’s objective is not confrontation but prevention of conflict through strength and diplomacy.
No Military Option Against Iran’s Nuclear Program
The foreign minister reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and that there is no military solution to the issue.
“If there are concerns, questions, or ambiguities, we are ready to address them,” Araghchi said. “We are ready to provide answers and remove concerns, but we are not prepared to give up our legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.”
He expressed confidence that the Geneva talks could produce a mutually agreed, fair, and balanced outcome.
Missile Program Is Defensive
Responding to claims by US President Donald Trump that Iran is developing missiles capable of reaching the United States, Araghchi dismissed the allegation as false.
He said Iran has deliberately limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometers and described the missile program as strictly defensive and deterrent in nature.
“We do not develop such missiles,” he said. “Our missiles are defensive, designed only to help us defend ourselves, as they did last June.”
Araghchi stated that Iran did not initiate the previous conflict and that Israeli and US actions were the cause, while Iran’s response constituted legitimate self-defense.
US Bases Are Legitimate Targets If Iran Is Attacked
Addressing regional security, Araghchi acknowledged that US military bases are present in several neighboring countries but noted that regional states have declared their opposition to war and have pledged not to allow their territory, airspace, or waters to be used against Iran.
However, he warned that if the United States attacks Iran, US bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets.
“These are American bases,” he said. “We do not regard them as the territory of our neighbors.”
He recalled Iran’s previous strike on a US base in Qatar, noting that Iranian officials had informed Qatari authorities in advance to make clear that the action was directed at US forces, not Qatar.
No Surrender Under Threats
Asked about military threats conveyed from Washington, including references to targeting Iran’s leadership, Araghchi said such pressure would never force Iran into submission.
“If the purpose is to threaten us into surrender, that will never happen,” he said. “We have proven this.”
He referred to the previous 12-day war, stating that after Israel initially demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender, it was Israel that later sought an unconditional ceasefire.
“Repeating a failed experience will not produce a better result,” Araghchi said.
Israel Accused of Pushing the US Toward War
Araghchi said Iran views Israel as the sole actor in the region seeking war, accusing it of attempting to drag the United States into a direct conflict with Iran.
“They cannot do this alone,” he said. “They tried and failed, and now they want the United States to fight on their behalf.”
He warned that such a war would be catastrophic and could engulf the entire region due to the dispersion of US bases.
Gaza and Relations With India
Addressing questions on India’s relations with Israel, Araghchi described Israel as a regime responsible for the destruction of Gaza and the killing of approximately 75,000 people, a reality he said is confirmed by international organizations.
He characterized the situation as genocide and said Iran does not consider engagement with a genocidal regime appropriate. At the same time, he emphasized Iran’s long-standing friendship with India and expressed hope that New Delhi would play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability.
System Endures Beyond Individuals
On the assassination of senior Iranian commanders, Araghchi acknowledged security vulnerabilities but said they had been overcome.
“All commanders were immediately replaced,” he said. “We began defending ourselves the same night.”
He stressed that Iran’s political system does not depend on individuals but is supported by the people, pointing to large public participation in recent anniversary rallies in support of the Islamic Republic.
“I am not worried,” Araghchi said. (PW)