Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that a possible return to war with Israel and the United States would not alter his country’s positions. His comments come as the US and Israel have increased threats of renewed attacks on Iran. On Friday, President Donald Trump said Washington “may do another little Epic Fury”, a phrase referring to the US-Israeli campaign against Iran that began on February 28.
Speaking at a televised event in Tehran, Araghchi said he was already focused on the period after any conflict. “Whether there is war or not, our policies remain the same,” he said. He also said the US and Israel had already attacked twice and had seen the results, adding that any third attempt would bring no different outcome.
Strait of Hormuz tensions and the US blockade
An April 8 ceasefire between Iran and the United States ended the most intense fighting. Sporadic exchanges of fire have continued in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies, but these flare-ups have eased in recent weeks.
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Iran has claimed control of the strait since the war began and has repeatedly targeted vessels that attempt to cross without its authorisation. Washington and countries in the region strongly oppose these moves. In response, the US is maintaining a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
Stalled June deal and calls for regional change
In June, Iran and the United States agreed a memorandum of understanding that laid out a path toward a permanent settlement of the conflict. The deal later unravelled, with each side accusing the other of violating it. Tehran has since called for a return to that accord.
Araghchi said the current war had changed everything and that new realities were taking hold, particularly for shipping and management of the strait. He added that peace and stability required the complete absence of foreign forces from the region.
