Iranian Foreign Minister Arakchi: We Are Ready for War, But We Do Not Miss Opportunities for Diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi spoke to the US television channel NBC. Arakchi said that his country was ready to go to war with the USA again after US President Donald Trump publicly rejected his offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but he had not given up on diplomacy yet.

In his statement on NBC News' "Meet the Press" program, the Iranian minister said, "We are completely ready for the resumption of the war. We stand determined in the face of a new attack, even if it means an apocalyptic war. At the same time, we are ready for diplomacy. The choice depends on President Trump." he said.

"THERE IS NO REASON FOR US NOT TO RETURN TO DIPLOMACY"

Abbas Arakchi said that despite Trump's public statements, the offer has still not been officially conveyed to Iran through mediators, and repeated that Iran is ready to reopen the strait as part of an agreement that will end the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister said, "In return, we want our illegally frozen money and assets to be released. We want to be able to sell our oil."

Emphasizing diplomacy, Arakçi said, "If you ask us, there is no reason why we should not become diplomats. I still strive for diplomacy, because I think we should not miss any opportunity for peace."

he said.

Emphasizing that they are not interested in the midterm elections in the USA, Arakçi said, "We are interested in our national interests."

TRUMP: I EXPECT MORE MEETINGS WITH IRAN THIS WEEK

US President Donald Trump made statements about Iran to the American news site Axios. In a phone interview, Trump said, "I expect more talks with Iran this week. They want to make a deal, but this is not the deal I want to make. This is an agreement we might have agreed to a year ago. They've gone too far." he said.

Asked whether he was considering resuming attacks on Iran, Donald Trump replied, "I think about it all the time."

IRAN SUBMITTED A PLAN TO THE USA THROUGH QATAR