In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi declared that Tehran is fully prepared for a “doomsday war” should military aggression by the United States resume. This stark warning comes after Washington publicly rejected Iran's latest peace proposal aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Trump Dismisses Iranian Peace Proposal
During high-level discussions held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Iran presented a seven-day plan to end the ongoing blockade of the critical Strait of Hormuz. The proposal sought to reopen the vital maritime oil route in exchange for several key concessions from the US: the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets, the lifting of economic sanctions, and a permanent cessation of hostilities.
However, US President Donald Trump swiftly dismissed the terms, characterizing the offer as an unacceptable demand that would grant Iran immediate access to billions of dollars in relief. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated, “They want to make a deal to open the Hormuz Strait immediately because they're losing so badly.” UN Ambassador Mike Waltz echoed this sentiment, arguing that Iranian negotiators were not acting in good faith by “asking for everything up front.”
Iran's Firm Stance and Diplomatic Uncertainty
Foreign Minister Araghchi emphasized Iran's readiness to defend its national interests. “We are fully prepared for the war to be resumed. We stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war,” he told NBC News. He added that Iran has recalibrated its military tactics based on past conflicts to ensure its sovereign interests are protected across all fronts.
Despite the current impasse, the path to future diplomacy remains uncertain. While Trump indicated that he expects indirect talks between Washington and Tehran to resume soon, reports also suggest he has discussed the possibility of resuming targeted military strikes against Iranian positions following the US midterm elections. Iranian officials, on their part, maintain that the door to a negotiated settlement is not entirely closed, noting that Washington had not formally communicated its rejection through designated diplomatic channels. Araghchi stated, “If you ask us, there is no reason why we should go back to diplomacy. But I am still trying diplomacy because I think we shouldn't miss any chance for peace.”