Araghchi says Iran prepared for war as Tehran sets conditions for Hormuz reopening

Araghchi says Iran prepared for war as Tehran sets conditions for Hormuz reopening

Iran does not rule out the possibility of renewed war with the United States and Israel and is prepared for “all scenarios”, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has told Al Jazeera, as Tehran sets conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming negotiations with Washington.

“We have upgraded our weaponry, addressed our vulnerabilities and tested new arms; our forces are at the highest level of readiness,” Araghchi said.  

On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said consultations with Qatari mediators had shortened the proposed implementation period for reopening the waterway from five days to two.

Iran’s conditions include lifting sanctions imposed after the Islamabad memorandum, reducing US forces in the region, restoring oil waivers and releasing frozen Iranian funds, including those held in Qatar.  

Araghchi said reopening the strait under Iran’s conditions could pave the way for negotiations with Washington. He added that an Iranian delegation had travelled to Qatar to continue consultations with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, while ruling out any immediate meeting with US officials.

He described a letter from US Vice President JD Vance seeking dialogue as a “positive step”, but warned that any attempt to create divisions would be another mistake by Washington.