Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi indicated on Saturday (local time) that the Islamic Republic is fully prepared to respond to any aggression.
The minister noted that Tehran believes in interest-based diplomacy to resolve existing problems and has played its part, IRIB said.
Addressing a gathering of ambassadors and heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Tehran, Gharibabadi added: “Iran presented its plan to Pakistan as a mediator to permanently end the ordered war, and now the ball is in the US court. Iran is ready to go either way to ensure its national interests and security, and in any case, it will always maintain its pessimism and distrust of diplomacy.”
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The deputy foreign minister went on to say that Tehran is ready for both ways to ensure its national interests and security, adding: “In any case, it will always maintain its pessimism and mistrust of America and its honesty on the path of diplomacy.”
Citing sources, Axios said the latest Iranian proposal, delivered through Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator, follows a set of amendments sent by US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Monday that sought to put the nuclear issue back into the draft framework.
She further announced that one of the proposed US amendments requires Iran to commit not to transfer any enriched uranium from its decommissioned nuclear facilities or initiate any nuclear weapons-related activities at those sites while negotiations are underway.
Read also | Iran proposal rejected by Trump would open Hormuz to nuclear talks: Official
Iran warns of renewed conflict with the US
Gharibabadi’s remarks came hours after the Fars news agency quoted Mohammad Jafar Asadi, a key figure in the Central Command, as saying “a renewed conflict between Iran and the United States is likely.” Asadi added: “The actions and statements of US officials are largely media-oriented, aimed firstly at preventing oil prices from falling and secondly at getting out of a predicament of their own making.”
The comments by the two Iranian officials came a day after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal, which he sent to Pakistani mediators on Friday. Trump expressed displeasure with the proposal, telling reporters at the White House on Friday: “They want to make a deal, but I’m not happy with it. We just had a conversation with Iran. We’ll see what happens. But I would say I’m not happy.”
Read also | Trump is unhappy with Iran’s offer, saying Tehran is asking for things the US can’t give it
Will the US and Israel resume military strikes in Iran?
Speculation is now rife as to whether the US and Israel are planning a renewed military strike in Tehran. This comes after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning on Thursday that a military strike could be possible after Tel Aviv received over 6,500 tons of military equipment from the US. Reports of his warning coincided with Trump being briefed by US Central Command (CENTCOM), which has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, of possible military action.
The development comes as Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely, shortly before it was set to expire on April 22.
Peace talks between the US and Iran hang in the balance
Since the first round of talks in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad failed, the two sides have not agreed to come to the negotiating table for a second round. This comes after Trump imposed a naval blockade, which the Islamic Republic cites as the primary reason for not returning to Pakistan. On several occasions, the US president has stated that an Iran deal is likely and that a breakthrough is possible soon; However, Tehran denied the reports and accused Trump of lying.
Read also | Trump says US-Iran peace talks ‘possible’ as early as Friday; Tehran denies the claims
Last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Islamabad and met with his counterpart Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir. News of Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan renewed hopes of a possible deal, with Trump’s team preparing to leave for Islamabad on April 25. But before Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were ready to leave for the talks, Araghchi left Pakistan, suggesting the impasse continues.
It remains to be seen whether the US and Israel will resume military action in Iran, given that the war in Iran has passed the 60-day mark and Trump will have to face the US Congress under the War Powers Act.
Key things
- Iran emphasizes its military readiness amid deadlocked talks with the US.
- Diplomatic efforts continue to be complicated by mutual distrust and failed proposals.
- The potential for renewed military action by the US and Israel looms large.
