Iran is ready to confront any “reckless” Israeli attack that could lead to war, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed
“We are fully prepared for the possibility of further Israeli attacks,” said Araghchi. “I hope Israel will refrain from taking such reckless action, as it could lead to a large-scale war.” He made his comment in an interview with China’s CCTV channel on Saturday.
Commenting on Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Araghchi added that Iran will make its decisions based on its assessment of the policies adopted by the incoming US administration. He stressed Tehran’s continued commitment to the diplomatic approach and said that it will continue consultations with regional and friendly countries, such as China, to find peaceful solutions to all crises.
Regarding the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear agreement, the minister explained that Iran is ready for serious and constructive negotiations, indicating that returning to the agreement, which links confidence-building to lifting sanctions, is the best solution. He said that Tehran is ready to resume talks without delay if the political will is available from the other parties.
The JCPA was agreed between the UK, Germany, China, Russia, the US, France and Iran, although Trump withdrew the US in 2018. The deal included lifting sanctions on Iran in exchange for restricting its nuclear programme. Tehran responded to Trump’s unilateral move by abandoning some of the restrictions imposed on its nuclear activity stipulated in the agreement.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported recently that Iran is planning to install more centrifuges at the Fordow and Natanz nuclear facilities.
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