Araghchi Says Iran Ready For Diplomacy And Military Response
At a Glance
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says war and sanctions will not resolve the confrontation.
- He says Tehran is prepared to respond to any military attack with greater force.
- At the same time, Araghchi says Iran remains ready for a diplomatic solution.
- Iranian officials continue to link the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to Tehran’s demands.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that Tehran is prepared both to defend itself against military action and pursue what he called a fair diplomatic solution.
Araghchi urged Washington to act with what he described as “wisdom and logic,” while warning that Iran was prepared for a stronger response to any new attack.
Key Statements
“We hope that the United States will move along a path of wisdom and logic.”
“If it moves toward military action, we are ready.”
“Our message to the enemy is clear, and we are ready to reach a fair solution through diplomatic channels.”
Iran Signals Dual Track
Araghchi said Iran is serious about pursuing diplomatic solutions while remaining prepared to defend itself against military action.
His comments come as Tehran faces continued economic pressure from U.S. sanctions and restrictions on its oil exports and amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
Hormuz Remains Central
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz would not be reopened unless Iranian demands are met.
He also suggested that the United States had recently conveyed new proposals to Tehran through intermediaries.
Washington Maintains Pressure
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Saturday that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the United States does.
Hegseth also said President Donald Trump continues to keep all options on the table regarding Iran.
Araghchi said Sunday that Iran does not believe war or sanctions will resolve the confrontation and called on Washington to pursue what he described as a rational approach.
At the same time, he warned that Tehran was prepared to deliver a more destructive response if Iran came under military attack.
However, Araghchi also emphasized Iran’s willingness to pursue diplomacy, saying Tehran is serious about finding a diplomatic solution while maintaining its right to self-defense.
His comments came as Iran continues to condition the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on the fulfillment of its demands.
Ghalibaf repeated that position Sunday, while also indicating that new U.S. proposals may have been transmitted to Iran through mediators.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions over the strategic waterway and continued U.S. pressure on Iran.
FYI
Araghchi’s remarks reflect Tehran’s dual-track position: maintaining military deterrence while leaving the door open to negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of leverage in the confrontation, with Iranian officials tying its reopening to their conditions, while Washington disputes Iran’s control over the waterway and says military options remain available. The competing positions leave diplomacy and the risk of further escalation running in parallel.
Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You
Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:
![Irani’s Araghchi, left, meets with Pakistan’s Munir in Islamabad, Pakistan, in April 2026 [File: Iranian Foreign Ministry/AP Photo]](https://media.channel8.com/english/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AP26115285212508-1777383639.webp)
.jpg)
