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The Iranian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Tehran has "received messages through intermediaries" and that these communications are currently being reviewed, Al Jazeera reported, citing the country's IRIB news agency.
The spokesperson for the ministry addressed the ongoing tensions, emphasising that the government is carefully evaluating the content of these messages amidst the broader regional crisis. "What is important for the Iranian nation is to defend itself against this aggression, and we are ready for any type of attack, including a ground attack," the official stated, according to the report. In a candid assessment of the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi further detailed Tehran's stance on diplomacy and military readiness during an interview with Al Jazeera. Araghchi confirmed that direct communications with the United States have taken place via Steve Witkoff, Washington's special envoy. However, he was emphatic that these exchanges do not amount to formal negotiations. Dismissing claims from Washington and Western officials that talks were underway, Araghchi stated, "I receive messages from Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations." He added that there is "no truth to the claim of negotiations with any party in Iran," noting that Tehran has zero trust in the US following its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. Beyond diplomatic channels, Araghchi addressed the strategic status and future of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas flows in peacetime. He argued that the waterway lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman and should remain under their authority once the conflict concludes. During the current hostilities, he maintained that while the strait remains open to most nations, it is closed to ships from countries at war with Iran. He insisted this restriction is a lawful and typical measure for wartime maritime security. His remarks highlighted Iran's intent to play a central role in post-war governance of the waterway, even as Gulf states like Qatar have demanded inclusion in discussions on its future. On the prospect of further military escalation, Araghchi dismissed the likelihood of a US ground invasion but warned that Iran is fully prepared to defend its territory. "We are waiting for them," he remarked, suggesting that any such assault would meet fierce resistance. "I don't think they'd dare to do such a thing. There will be a lot of strength waiting for them," he added, expressing hope that Washington would avoid making such a "mistake." (ANI)
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