Iran Ready for 'Doomsday War' as Cease-Fire Proposal Rejected, Official Says
Tehran's foreign minister stated the country is prepared for conflict but still desires peace following President Trump's rejection of a peace overture.
Iran is fully prepared for a "doomsday war" with the United States but still prefers peace, according to Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. "We stand firm in the face of any aggression against us, even when it comes to a doomsday war," Araghchi said in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. "At the same time, we are ready for diplomacy."
Araghchi highlighted Iran's seven-day cease-fire proposal as a "very reasonable plan on the table," despite President Trump's decision to reject the offer. The proposal reportedly included the US unfreezing some $12 billion in Iranian assets, ending a blockade, and easing sanctions in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Administration officials contended that the proposal asked the U.S. to make too many concessions upfront. Trump argued that the proposal was not acceptable. "I have to say that although we heard from President Trump that he is rejecting this deal, but we are still waiting for an official response through the mediators," Araghchi noted.