Iran has indicated that it may reassess the course of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with the United States following recent developments, with officials stressing that diplomacy cannot be separated from the security situation on the ground.
Speaking on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said events in recent hours had altered the context in which the negotiations were taking place.
“The developments of the past few hours necessitate a reassessment of the current situation, because any diplomatic process requires a minimum of conducive conditions to continue,” Baghaei said in remarks carried by the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
Baghaei said diplomatic efforts and military preparedness should not be viewed as separate tracks, describing them as complementary tools for protecting Iran’s national interests and security.
READ: Iranian military source claims missiles penetrated US defences and hit majority of targets
“Diplomacy and the military are not separate tracks, but rather two essential tools for safeguarding Iran’s national interests and national security.”
He added that Iranian state institutions were operating in full coordination as they responded to the evolving situation.
The spokesperson also stressed that Iran’s armed forces remained prepared to respond to any threat.
“The events of the previous night demonstrated the readiness and determination of the Iranian armed forces to defend the country,” he said.
Baghaei said Tehran would continue to pursue diplomatic channels where appropriate but would also retain the option of military action if it considered its security interests to be at risk.
“Iran will continue to utilise diplomatic means where necessary, but will not hesitate to resort to military force whenever it deems it essential to protect its national security and interests.”
READ: Qatari delegation arrives in Iran for talks on bilateral ties, regional developments
