Iran does not want a war with Israel or the United States, but is fully prepared to respond if attacked again, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during a visit to Beirut. His remarks come amid renewed regional tensions and fears of further military escalation following the June conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

Speaking to reporters, Araghchi stressed that Tehran remains open to negotiations with the United States over its nuclear programme, provided talks are conducted on the basis of “mutual respect” rather than pressure or diktats. “We do not desire a war, but we are ready for it,” he said, warning that any renewed attacks would face the same outcome as previous attempts, which he described as failures.

His comments follow a 12-day conflict in June in which Israel killed senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists, while the U.S. carried out strikes on key Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities. U.S. President Donald Trumphas since reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, warning of further strikes if Tehran attempts to rebuild its nuclear capabilities.

Iran had previously enriched uranium up to 60% purity after the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, though Tehran maintains its programme is peaceful. Western governments and the IAEA have raised concerns over its past weapons-related activities.

Araghchi’s visit to Lebanon coincides with efforts by Lebanese authorities to disarm armed factions, including Iran-backed Hezbollah. He said Iran seeks comprehensive relations with Lebanon, including deeper economic cooperation, as part of broader regional engagement.

The statements underscore Iran’s dual message: openness to diplomacy alongside readiness for confrontation if provoked.