World·Middle East
Update: Araghchi says Iran ‘fully prepared’ for war to resume; still awaits official U.S. reply
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday that Iran is “fully prepared for the war to be resumed” and will “stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war,” while also saying Tehran remains ready for diplomacy and that “it is up to President Trump to choose.” Araghchi said that despite President Donald Trump’s public rejection Saturday of Iran’s seven-day Hormuz reopening plan, the rejection had still not been officially communicated through mediators, and that Tehran wants frozen assets released and to “be able to sell our oil.” U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, also on “Meet the Press,” said the offer was rejected for “a number of reasons,” calling it a “pretty cynical attempt” that sought release of the blockade, sanctions and “access to billions in assets.” Separately, Al Jazeera and Iran International reported that Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Fox News on Sunday the “running average” of crude oil in transit was nearly 13 million barrels per day, with Wright citing a day last week above 20 million barrels.
- NBC NewsIran ‘fully prepared’ for war to resume but diplomacy not over yet, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says
- Al JazeeraStrait of Hormuz tensions linger as Iran and US move further from a deal
- Iran InternationalUS energy secretary says Hormuz oil flows averaging nearly 13 million barrels a day