According to a report by the American National Broadcasting Company (NBC) on September 27, Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Khamenei stated that after US President Trump publicly rejected Iran's proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is fully prepared to resume hostilities with the United States, but has not given up diplomatic options.
During an interview on NBC’s "Meet the Press" program, when asked about reports that the United States might resume bombing Iran after the midterm elections, Aragatz said, "We are fully prepared for the moment when the war begins again." He emphasized that if attacked once more, Iran would respond firmly, "Even if it means a final war."
However, Alaghi also stated that Iran is still prepared to resolve issues through diplomatic means, “It is now up to President Trump to make a choice.”
Last week, Iran presented a proposal to the United States through Qatar. The proposal called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 7 days as part of an agreement to end the conflict, thereby restoring normal maritime traffic in this crucial global oil transportation route. On the 26th, Trump stated that he had rejected the proposal, and claimed that Iran was eager to reach an agreement because "they have lost too badly."
Alaghizi said that although Trump has made public statements, Iran has not yet received a formal refusal from the US through the mediator. He reiterated that Iran is willing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through an agreement, but in exchange, the US should release frozen Iranian funds and assets, and allow Iran to sell oil.
He also stated that these are not new conditions proposed by Iran, but rather things that the United States had already promised. In June of this year, the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding containing temporary ceasefire arrangements. However, the agreement lasted only a few days before it was broken due to renewed attacks from both sides.
Regarding Trump’s claim that Iran might be waiting for the results of the U.S. midterm elections, Alaghizi responded: “We don’t care about the U.S. midterm elections. What we care about is our own national interests.”
