Iran Announces Full Combat Readiness

Iranian government spokeswoman Fatima Mohajrani stated on the 18th that negotiations and military preparedness are two complementary strategies for protecting Iran’s interests, and that the Iranian defense forces have entered a state of full combat readiness.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi, in a phone call with IAEA Director General Grossi, stated that Iran is developing a negotiation framework to advance subsequent dialogue with the United States.

According to Iranian sources on the 18th, speaking about the latest round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States, spokesperson Fatima Mohajrani stated that negotiations and military preparedness are two complementary strategies for safeguarding Iran’s national interests, maintaining security, and enhancing social cohesion. Mohajrani also stated that the Iranian defense forces have entered a state of full combat readiness, and other necessary preparations have been deployed in advance.

It is understood that Araqchi and Grossi reviewed the results of the latest round of indirect talks held in Geneva on the 17th. Araqchi emphasized that Iran is drafting a “preliminary and coherent framework” to advance subsequent dialogue with the United States. Grossi gave a positive assessment of the results of the US-Iran talks and stated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was willing to provide support and cooperation to Iran in developing a negotiation framework.

The second round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran was held in Geneva, Switzerland on the 17th. Both US and Iranian officials stated after the talks that although differences remained, progress had been made compared to the previous round, and both sides agreed to continue contact. A senior US official revealed on the 18th that Iran is expected to submit a written proposal on how to resolve the current impasse.