Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has described negotiations with the United States in Muscat, the capital of Oman, as “a good start.”
However, he said Tehran was prepared for both diplomacy and war and would target US military bases in the region if attacked.
After the negotiations, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said both sides presented their views and demands and agreed to consult their respective governments before deciding on the next round of talks.
Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Saturday that despite the negotiations in Muscat being indirect, “an opportunity arose to shake hands with the American delegation.”
The talks were “a good start,” but he insisted, “there is a long way to go to build trust.”
He warned that if the US launched a military attack, Tehran would target American military bases in the region.
Addressing regional security, Araghchi said Iran does not target neighbouring countries, but US military bases located in the region. “We do not attack neighbouring states; we target US bases in the region, and there is a big difference,” he said.
Asked about the possibility of war with the US, Araghchi said the possibility of war “always exists,” stressing that Iran is prepared for such a scenario while continuing efforts to prevent it.
However, he expressed hope that the United States would choose the path of diplomacy.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also warned, hours after the talks between Iranian and American representatives in Muscat ended, that Iran must reach an agreement with Washington or face “consequences.”
Trump had previously threatened Iran with military action, saying US warships had been deployed in the region.
kk/sa
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