Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informs Al Jazeera that Tehran remains prepared for any contingency, including potential military strikes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has characterized recent United States efforts to initiate dialogue as a “positive step,” though he noted that no formal meetings with American officials are currently scheduled.
In an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday, Araghchi revealed that Tehran has conducted high-level reviews of a letter sent by US Vice President JD Vance. He stated that Iran has established specific conditions for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which would serve as a prerequisite for renewed negotiations with Washington.
Araghchi confirmed that an Iranian delegation has arrived in Doha, following a visit by Qatari mediators to Tehran aimed at reviving a US-Iran ceasefire. He added that one of his senior aides is currently in Qatar to facilitate ongoing consultations.
“The American attempt to foster dialogue and broader understanding is a positive development,” the Foreign Minister told Al Jazeera.
However, he issued a warning: “If Washington’s intention behind this letter is to incite discord, it will constitute yet another strategic error in a series of previous mistakes.”
‘No immediate requirement for US meetings’
Araghchi dismissed rumors regarding imminent bilateral meetings between the two nations.
“Reports regarding such meetings are merely media speculation,” he remarked.
“We see no necessity for direct engagement with the United States at this juncture. Our requirements are well-defined, and mediators are actively discussing them,” he continued.
He emphasized that whether Iran engages in direct or indirect talks with the US will depend entirely on whether its conditions are met.
“Mediators have submitted proposals regarding the nuclear dossier, which we are currently evaluating as part of the second phase of our review,” he stated.
“Consultations regarding our specific conditions are ongoing, led by mediators from Qatar and Pakistan,” Araghchi added.
Requirements for Hormuz Strait Access
Araghchi noted that discussions with Qatari mediators have accelerated the timeline for implementing Iran’s proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
“While the Qatari side suggested a five-day implementation window for the Iranian proposal, we have developed a plan that reduces this period to just two days,” he explained.
“Our demands include the removal of sanctions imposed following the Islamabad memorandum and a reduction of US military presence in the region,” he said. He further demanded the restoration of oil waivers and the release of all frozen Iranian assets, including those currently held in Qatar.
Additionally, Iran is seeking formal recognition of specific shipping routes through the strait previously discussed with Oman, alongside the closure of alternative routes.
‘Prepared for all scenarios’
Araghchi concluded by stating that Iran does not discount the possibility of an attack against its territory.
“We are prepared for every possible scenario,” he asserted.
“We have modernized our weaponry, addressed existing vulnerabilities, and tested new defense systems. Our military forces maintain the highest level of readiness.”
