Tehran, Nov 02 (V7N)- Iran remains hopeful of reaching a diplomatic solution with the United States but is also fully prepared to defend itself if negotiations fail, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday (November 1), Araghchi said the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, mediated by Qatar, would depend largely on Washington's response to Tehran's proposed conditions.
He said Iran was awaiting a response from the United States, while an Iranian delegation had travelled to Qatar on Saturday to continue discussions with mediators. However, no final agreement has been reached so far.
Araghchi said reaching an agreement would depend on answers to several unresolved questions. He added that Tehran was making every possible effort to advance diplomacy and hoped Washington would demonstrate the wisdom to choose negotiations over other alternatives.
"We are making maximum efforts from our side and hope that the other side will also show the wisdom to choose diplomacy instead of other options. However, we are fully prepared for those other options as well," he said.
The Iranian foreign minister expressed hope that Washington would take a logical approach and pursue a diplomatic settlement.
Earlier, Araghchi had indicated that Iran would consider direct negotiations with the United States only if Washington accepted Tehran's conditions.
The latest developments come amid continued diplomatic efforts to address tensions between the two countries, with Qatar playing a mediating role in the ongoing discussions.
Meanwhile, Tehran has maintained that diplomacy remains an option, while reiterating its readiness to respond if negotiations fail to produce an agreement.
END/SMA/AJ
