Iran’s Foreign MinisterAbbas Araghchihas said the country is prepared for a potential ground invasion by American troops and ruled out negotiations with the United States amid theongoing conflict.
In an interview with NBC News, Araghchi struck a defiant tone when asked if he feared a possible U.S. ground invasion. “No, we are waiting for them," he said. “Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them."
Araghchi also said Iran has not asked for a ceasefire despite ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes across the country. “We didn’t ask for a ceasefire even last time. In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire. They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression," he said, referring to the 12-day conflict last June during which Israeli and U.S. forces targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities.
He said the attacks carried out while negotiations were ongoing have undermined Tehran’s trust in future talks with Washington. Araghchi added that he has had no communication with Witkoff or Kushner since last week.
“So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who are not honest in negotiation, and they do not enter into negotiation in good faith," he said.
On the question of leadership succession, Araghchi said the country has a constitutional process in place to choose the next supreme leader. “There are many rumors around, but we have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to choose a new supreme leader," he said, adding that the process could take longer because of the ongoing conflict.
The conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its seventh day on Friday as the fighting widened across the West Asia, pulling several countries into the crisis.
The conflict began on February 28 when joint US–Israeli strikes hit Iranian military and nuclear sites, triggering retaliation from Tehran and its allies.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
