Araghchi: Iran Ready for Any Scenario, but War Is Unlikely

Araghchi (center) speaks during a meeting with Iranian Red Crescent officials (IRNA).
Araghchi (center) speaks during a meeting with Iranian Red Crescent officials (IRNA).
TT

Araghchi: Iran Ready for Any Scenario, but War Is Unlikely

Araghchi (center) speaks during a meeting with Iranian Red Crescent officials (IRNA).
Araghchi (center) speaks during a meeting with Iranian Red Crescent officials (IRNA).

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed the possibility of war with the United States, asserting that Iran’s high level of military preparedness serves as a deterrent to any external threats. However, he emphasized that Tehran remains fully prepared for any scenario, including military confrontation.
Iran’s official IRNA news agency quoted Araghchi as saying that the armed forces, emergency response units, government, and people “are all on high alert.” He added that Iran’s state of readiness makes any attack against the country highly unlikely, as potential aggressors understand the severe consequences.
“I am confident there will be no war, because we are fully prepared for such a scenario,” he stated.
Later, speaking to reporters, Araghchi reiterated that Iran would not engage in direct negotiations with the US under the current “maximum pressure” campaign.
“Our policy is clear: no direct negotiations with Washington under threats and sanctions,” he said. “Unless there is a fundamental shift in their approach, Iran’s position will not change.”
He added that while Iran does not rule out diplomacy, direct talks remain off the table unless the US abandons its pressure tactics. “Despite keeping the door open for indirect dialogue, we will not miss any opportunity that serves our national interests,” he noted.
This month, Tehran received a message from US President Donald Trump, reportedly giving Iran a two-month deadline to decide between entering new negotiations or facing possible military action.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on foreign policy and the nuclear program, rejected the proposal, calling it deceptive. He warned that talks with the Trump administration would only lead to harsher sanctions and increased pressure on Iran.
In a televised interview on Thursday, Araghchi described Trump’s message as a mix of threats and opportunities, adding that Tehran would respond in due course.
Iranian media previously quoted Araghchi as saying that Iran’s current strategy prioritizes indirect negotiations with the US. His comments were made during a press interview on March 13.
Araghchi explained that Iran’s stance is based on past experiences and present realities. “Given the current conditions, direct talks with the US are impossible unless certain key factors change,” he said.
Regarding Khamenei’s opposition to negotiations, Araghchi noted that the Supreme Leader sees no logical justification for direct talks while Washington continues its maximum pressure strategy.
“We have always sought to avoid war,” Araghchi said. “We are prepared for it and do not fear it, but we do not seek it either.”
He emphasized that Iran’s foreign policy is centered on diplomacy and de-escalation, except in cases where military confrontation becomes unavoidable.

 



Indian Army Reports 'First Calm Night' after Kashmir Truce with Pakistan Holds

A Pakistani security official stand guard at the scene of a suicide bomb blast targeting a vehicle of police in Peshawar, Pakistan, 11 May 2025. EPA/BILAWAL ARBAB
A Pakistani security official stand guard at the scene of a suicide bomb blast targeting a vehicle of police in Peshawar, Pakistan, 11 May 2025. EPA/BILAWAL ARBAB
TT

Indian Army Reports 'First Calm Night' after Kashmir Truce with Pakistan Holds

A Pakistani security official stand guard at the scene of a suicide bomb blast targeting a vehicle of police in Peshawar, Pakistan, 11 May 2025. EPA/BILAWAL ARBAB
A Pakistani security official stand guard at the scene of a suicide bomb blast targeting a vehicle of police in Peshawar, Pakistan, 11 May 2025. EPA/BILAWAL ARBAB

The frontier between arch-foes India and Pakistan was peaceful and had the "first calm night in recent days", the Indian army said Monday, after a surprise weekend ceasefire.

The truce was agreed to on Saturday after four days of missile, drone and artillery attacks between the two countries which killed at least 60 people and sent thousands fleeing, reported AFP.

It was the worst violence since the nuclear-armed rivals' last open conflict in 1999 and sent global shudders that it could spiral into full-blown war.

There were initial doubts as the two sides accused each other of breaching the ceasefire just hours after it was unexpectedly announced by US President Donald Trump on social media.

"The night remained largely peaceful across... Kashmir and other areas along the international border," the Indian army said.

"No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days," the statement added.

It was also the second straight night without gunfire or shelling at Poonch, the frontier town in the part of divided Kashmir administered by India.

Poonch was one of the worst-hit regions in the latest conflict, with at least 12 residents killed and most of the estimated 60,000 residents fleeing their homes.

On Sunday, people started trickling back to the town, although many still remained worried that the ceasefire would not last.

The alarming spiral towards all-out conflict began before dawn on Wednesday, when India launched missile attacks destroying what it called "terrorist camps" in the Pakistani part of Kashmir.

This followed an April 22 attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.

India accused Pakistan of backing the attack but Islamabad denied involvement and immediately responded to the strikes with heavy artillery fire.

It claimed to have downed five Indian fighter jets -- something New Delhi has not commented on.

Militants have stepped up operations in Kashmir since 2019, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government revoked the region's limited autonomy and took it under direct rule from New Delhi.

Divided Muslim-majority Kashmir is claimed in full by both countries, who have fought several wars over the territory since their independence from Britain in 1947.