Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi answered journalists’ questions during the 52nd Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, held in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.
Araghchi said Iran was ready both to defend itself and to pursue diplomacy, adding that his country was continuing its preparations for the possibility of a new attack. He said Iran would not back down in the face of threats and noted that its defence preparations were at a higher level than in previous wars.
We will not bow to threats. Our preparations to defend ourselves are at a higher level than in previous wars. We have gained valuable experience and are fully capable of defending ourselves.
Araghchi said Iran’s seven-stage, seven-day plan had been presented in New York and that the same plan had also been put forward at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation meeting.
Conditions sought for reopening the Strait of Hormuz
Araghchi said the US side had conveyed its views on the plan and that those views were being examined. He said Iran’s plan was still on the table, adding that the necessary conditions could be met within a few days if the United States demonstrated its willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz could be opened once those conditions were met.