Beirut, January 8 – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning during his arrival in Beirut, stating that Tehran has no desire for conflict with Israel or the United States but stands fully prepared to respond decisively to any renewed aggression.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s openness to negotiations on its nuclear program with Washington, provided discussions are grounded in mutual respect rather than unilateral demands. This comes amid lingering fears of escalation reminiscent of the 12-day Israel-Iran clash in June, where U.S. forces targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities.
‘They tested their strikes on Iran, but that strategy utterly failed,’ Araghchi declared at the start of his two-day Lebanon visit. ‘If America and Israel repeat it, they will face the same consequences.’
He reiterated Tehran’s readiness for all scenarios: ‘We don’t seek war, but we are prepared for it.’ On nuclear talks, he insisted on a framework of equality. ‘Constructive dialogue based on shared interests will yield positive results, not dictation,’ he added.
The minister’s remarks unfold against a backdrop of domestic turmoil in Iran, where weeks of protests over soaring inflation and rights violations have led to deadly clashes. U.S. President Donald Trump recently commented on Truth Social, threatening intervention to protect Iranian civilians if the regime doesn’t halt its crackdown—a statement Tehran dismissed as meddlesome propaganda.
Araghchi’s Beirut trip underscores Iran’s diplomatic outreach in the region, signaling resolve amid tensions. As global powers watch closely, his words highlight a delicate balance between deterrence and diplomacy in the volatile Middle East.