US attempt to open dialogue ‘positive step’: Araghchi

TEHRAN, Oct 31: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that a US effort to open dialogue with Iran is “a positive step.”

Araghchi told Al Jazeera that his country had studied a letter sent by US Vice President JD Vance in high-level meetings.

“The American side’s attempt to open the door to dialogue and understanding more broadly is a positive step,” he told Al Jazeera.

However, he warned: “If Washington’s goal in sending this letter is to stir up discord, it would be yet another mistake to add to its previous ones.”

Araghchi says his country does not rule out the possibility of an attack against Iran.

“We do not rule out any possibility regarding the outbreak of war, and we are prepared for all scenarios,” Araghchi told Al Jazeera. “We have upgraded our weaponry, addressed our vulnerabilities, and tested new arms; our forces are at the highest level of readiness.”

He acknowledged the effects of the US-imposed economic pressure on Iran, but said his country “will not surrender”.

“We will continue to stand firm and resist, and we will overcome this difficult phase through our own capabilities,” he added.

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, has said there are no plans currently for meetings with US officials.
“What is being circulated in this regard is merely media speculation,” Araghchi told Al Jazeera.

“We see no need to meet with the Americans at present. Our conditions are clear, and mediators are continuing their consultations regarding them,” he added.

Araghchi said that a decision on whether to hold direct or indirect talks with the US depends on meeting Iranian conditions.�"AL JAZEERA