Iran Prepared for 'Doomsday' War with US After Proposal Rejected, But...
Iran has claimed it remains open to diplomatic opportunities with the United States, even as it simultaneously prepares to face what it describes as a ‘doomsday’ war should conflict between the two nations escalate again.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed this stance during an interview with NBC News on Sunday (27/09/2026), following his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly last week. According to Araghchi, Tehran sees no immediate reason to return to the negotiating table; however, Iran continues to maintain a channel for negotiations to ensure the possibility of peace is not entirely closed.
“If you ask us, there is no reason why we should return to diplomacy, but I am still trying diplomacy because I think we should not miss any opportunity for peace,” said Arramchi. “We are as ready to negotiate as we are ready to face any challenge… We stand firm against any aggression against us, even if it leads to a doomsday war.”
These statements emerge at a time when the US-Iran conflict, which has fluctuated since 28 February, has shaken global energy markets. The conflict has triggered surges in world oil prices, subsequently driving up fuel costs and exacerbating inflationary pressures.
On Friday, Araghchi had proposed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz alongside the resumption of nuclear negotiations with Washington within seven days. However, the proposal was accompanied by several conditions that must be met by President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump subsequently rejected the Iranian offer. The proposal held the potential to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that serves as one of the most critical points for global energy trade.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump not only rejected the deal but also indicated his expectation that airstrikes against Tehran could resume following the US mid-term elections this coming November.
In a separate interview with NBC News, US Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz described Iran’s latest offer as an insincere effort. “This is a cynical attempt to propose something they know is unacceptable,” said Waltz. “The President will keep all options on the table to ensure the world is safe from an Iran that holds the world hostage with nuclear weapons.”
Despite the rejection of the proposal by Trump, Iran maintains the conditions it submitted for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi emphasised that Tehran will not back down from its position. “Our requirements are clear; any progress towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz depends on the fulfilment of those requirements, and we will not retreat from them,” Araghchi stated via his Telegram channel.
He noted that all requirements had been communicated to mediators during meetings held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. “During our meetings with mediators, these requirements were presented, explained, and fully detailed, and the mediators subsequently conveyed them to the American side,” he said.
Araghchi also mentioned that, so far, mediators between Washington and Tehran have not conveyed an official response from Trump to the Iranian government. “There is no solution other than a negotiated solution to break this deadlock,” he added.
Iran had previously outlined several conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that these conditions include the cessation of what Tehran calls US “acts of aggression”, the end of maritime blockades and economic warfare, and the release of Iranian assets.