Iran ‘fully prepared’ for war to resume if Trump authorizes strikes after midterms
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News on Sunday that Iran is "fully prepared" for hostilities with the United States to restart if President Trump approves new strikes after the November midterm elections. Araghchi made the remarks in an interview with Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, saying the U.S. has "tested us."

Why It Matters
The comments signal Tehran's readiness to respond to further U.S. military action and highlight how U.S. decisions after the midterms could affect the risk of renewed confrontation between the two countries.
Key Facts
- Who spoke: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
- What he said: Iran is "fully prepared" for the conflict with the U.S. to resume if President Trump authorizes new strikes after the midterm elections
- Where the remarks were made: Interview on NBC News's Meet the Press
- Interviewer: Kristen Welker
- Quoted fragment: Araghchi said the U.S. has "tested us"
Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News on Sunday that Tehran is "fully prepared" for the prospect of renewed hostilities with the United States if President Trump opts to authorize new strikes after the November midterm elections. The remarks came during an interview on Meet the Press with Kristen Welker.
Araghchi warned that Iran would be ready should Washington take military action following the U.S. elections. In the interview he said the United States has "tested us," a comment included in the broadcast exchange.
The statement frames Iran's posture as contingent on potential U.S. decisions after the midterms, underscoring how shifts in U.S. policy or action could influence the bilateral security situation. Araghchi's comments add to public signaling from Tehran about its willingness to respond if targeted by new strikes.
The interview represents a direct message from a senior Iranian official to U.S. policymakers and the public, delivered on a major American news program. Araghchi's remarks will likely be considered in assessments of regional tensions and the potential consequences of any future U.S. military actions against Iran.
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