Overview
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran does not seek war with Israel or the United States but will respond if attacked again.
- He stated Tehran is ready to negotiate over its nuclear program if talks proceed on the basis of mutual respect rather than U.S. dictation.
- His remarks in Beirut began a two-day visit to Lebanon following a 12-day June conflict in which Israel killed senior Iranian commanders and scientists and the United States struck enrichment sites.
- Washington reimposed a maximum-pressure campaign in February, and President Donald Trump later warned of potential further strikes in December.
- Iran has enriched uranium up to 60% since the U.S. left the 2015 nuclear deal, while Tehran says its program is peaceful and Western governments and the IAEA cite organized weapons work until 2003.