<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared for a "doomsday war" after President Donald Trump rejected its ceasefire offer. Trump confirmed the rejection on Saturday, which included a proposal to halt attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks in exchange for lifting the U.S. naval blockade.</p>
<p>In an interview on NBC News’s <em>Meet the Press</em>, Araghchi responded to a report from the <em>Wall Street Journal</em> suggesting that Trump may consider intensified military action after the midterm elections. He expressed confidence in Iran's position should the conflict resume, stating, "We are fully prepared for the war to be resumed. We stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war." </p>
<p>Araghchi also indicated that Iran remains open to diplomatic efforts, saying, "At the same time, we stand ready for diplomacy. It is up to President Trump to choose." He criticized the U.S. for its shifting objectives in the conflict, claiming that a new round of fighting would likely lead to a stalemate.</p>
<p>He noted that Trump previously sought an "unconditional surrender" within two days during earlier conflicts, while the current situation has persisted for eight months without resolution. "A new aggression would be certainly the same. We are fully prepared for that," he added.</p>
<p>Araghchi acknowledged past Iranian missteps in the conflict, stating, "We have learned our lesson from the two previous wars, and we have corrected our tactics. We have changed our tactics, and we are fully prepared to do that." He characterized the ceasefire offer as a significant gesture but expressed skepticism about returning to negotiations, citing previous U.S. behavior during talks.</p>
<p>"But to be honest with you, we have no reason to come back to diplomacy and engage with this administration once again, because of how they’ve behaved in the past two years," he said. He emphasized the importance of Iran's national interests over U.S. political considerations, stating, "We care about our national interests." </p>
<p>Araghchi mentioned uncertainty regarding the U.S. response to the ceasefire offer, noting that despite Trump's public rejection, the U.S. had not formally communicated this to Iran. He disputed claims regarding the collapse of a Memorandum of Understanding, asserting that Iran did not violate the deal first.</p>
<p>Despite the ongoing stalemate, the U.S. has made progress in securing oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, although this has been complicated by actions from Yemen’s Houthis, an ally of Iran.</p>
<p>Trump justified his rejection of the ceasefire offer by asserting that the U.S. is winning in the conflict, stating, "We’re winning tremendously. We have total control of the Hormuz Strait. Massive amounts of oil are coming out of the Hormuz Strait. Last night, we had 29 ships come out. They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal too, but I’m not — that deal would not be acceptable." </p>