TEHRAN, 27 September 2026 (Ghufran): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Iran is equally prepared for negotiations and confrontation, while stressing that Tehran has not abandoned the path of diplomacy. In an interview with a US news channel, Araghchi said Iran was surprised by Washington’s rejection of its proposal but remained ready to pursue diplomatic efforts. He said Iran was prepared to face any new aggression, even if it led to a devastating war, and added that the decision on how to proceed now rests with the United States. Araghchi said Tehran was also prepared to reopen the strategic waterway under an agreement aimed at ending the conflict, but in return demanded the release of Iran’s frozen assets and funds, which he said were not new demands and had previously been accepted by the United States. He added that Iran was not concerned about the US midterm elections and remained focused on protecting its national interests, stressing that diplomacy remained an option but Washington must decide its next course.