Iraqi: Iran is open to de-escalation and Washington bears responsibility for escalation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iranian President Masoud Bezhakian has shown readiness to de-escalate with neighboring countries, provided that the territories of those countries are not used to launch attacks against Iran.

Araghchi added that the initiative proposed by the Iranian president towards the countries in the region was quickly thwarted by U.S. President Donald Trump, considering that Washington bears responsibility for the escalation of Iranian defensive measures.

He also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of successfully convincing the U.S. administration to engage in war on behalf of Israel, noting that he informed Trump's envoys during previous talks that the outbreak of war would not strengthen the U.S. position in any potential negotiations.

The Iranian minister confirmed that if Trump chooses the path of escalation, Tehran will respond accordingly.