Iran Says It Is Ready for War but Still Open to Diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has delivered a message that sounds like Tehran has prepared two folders for the same meeting: one marked “Diplomacy” and another marked “War.” In remarks reported on September 27, Araghchi said Iran was fully prepared if fighting resumed, while insisting that diplomacy remained available and that the choice ultimately rested with the current president, Donald Trump. The comments come as Iran continues pushing a diplomatic proposal involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and renewed negotiations.

Tehran Says It Is Ready for Whatever Comes Next

Araghchi’s warning about renewed aggression comes after months of confrontation between Iran and the United States, with the conflict and negotiations repeatedly moving between military pressure and diplomatic channels. His message, therefore, appears designed to make clear that Tehran does not consider diplomacy a sign that it has abandoned its readiness for another round of fighting.

The minister’s dramatic reference to a possible “doomsday war” adds plenty of thunder to an already tense situation, but his simultaneous call for diplomacy gives the statement an unusual twist. In effect, Tehran is saying it has its negotiating papers on the table while keeping its emergency military folder within reach.

Diplomacy Has Not Left the Building

Iran has recently proposed a seven-day roadmap that would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations, subject to conditions including changes to the U.S. blockade and economic pressure. Araghchi said Tehran was still waiting for Washington’s formal position through mediators after receiving an initial reaction from Trump.

The current president has meanwhile rejected Iran’s latest proposal, according to recent reporting, even as diplomatic contacts continue. That leaves both sides publicly talking tough while the diplomatic channel remains active—an arrangement that makes the Middle East crisis look less like a simple switch between “war” and “peace” and more like two buttons being pressed at the same time.

For now, Araghchi’s message puts the spotlight firmly on the next move from Washington: Iran says it is prepared for renewed confrontation but remains open to negotiation, while its proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz keeps diplomacy in the conversation. OGM News will continue watching the developing story as the war, diplomacy and the increasingly important question of who makes the next move remain firmly on the international agenda.