The remarks come as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that if the United States chooses war over diplomacy, Iran will face that choice, while stressing that the path to talks remains open.
According to Araghchi's statement, Iran is not seeking conflict but will not shy away from it if one is imposed. He argued that a "maximum pressure" policy and sanctions cannot force Tehran into submission, and will only harden its position.
On the American side, US officials have repeatedly said they prioritize a diplomatic solution but have not ruled out military options. The difference in how the two sides frame the issue means the prospects for direct negotiations remain unclear.
Against that backdrop, regional mediators are said to be working to narrow the gap and find a negotiating framework acceptable to both Tehran and Washington. Analysts say Iran's public willingness to keep the door to diplomacy open, set alongside its warning of war, is a signal that is both firm and flexible in the country's foreign policy strategy.
