Reaction from Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi on negotiations

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi made statements to members of the foreign press.

Addressing the tension between the US and Iran, Gharibabadi said that there are currently no negotiations taking place with the US, but that messaging continues.

Stating that even if Iran and the US were to sit at the negotiating table, this would not mean that Iran's level of preparation for a possible war would decrease, Gharibabadi emphasized that if the US were to carry out a limited attack, an appropriate response would be given.

Gharibabadi said, "Tehran's current priority is not to negotiate with the US, but to be 200 percent prepared to defend our country."