Iran’s deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi described recent outreach from the United States as a "positive step" on Tuesday, while an Iranian delegation held meetings in Qatar aimed at diplomatic engagement.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi said Tehran welcomed the initiative but remained cautious, telling the broadcaster that Iran did not rule out the possibility of an attack and was "prepared for all scenarios." He framed the outreach as constructive but made clear that Tehran continued to balance diplomatic openings with military preparedness.
The comments come as the Iranian delegation conducts talks in Doha. Officials did not provide further details about the agenda or the participants in the Qatar meetings, but the visit underscores ongoing back-channel and regional diplomatic activity aimed at defusing tensions.
Araghchi’s remarks reflect a familiar dual approach by Iranian officials: signalling willingness to engage diplomatically while maintaining a posture of deterrence. Analysts say such statements are intended both to keep diplomatic options open and to reassure domestic and regional audiences of Iran’s readiness to respond to military threats.
It remains unclear what, if any, concrete steps will follow from the US outreach or the Qatar meetings. Observers say outcomes will depend on whether the parties can move from initial contacts to substantive negotiations on outstanding regional and security disputes.