Iran has said it is prepared to sustain its war with the United States and Israel for “at least six months”, even as US President Donald Trump signalled that the conflict could end within weeks.
Iranian
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an interview with Al Jazeera, said Tehran was fully prepared for a prolonged conflict and would defend itself “to whatever extent necessary”.
“At least six months,” he said when asked how long Iran could continue the war, adding that the country was well stocked and ready to fight for as long as required.
Iran Ready For ‘At Least Six Months’ Of War With US-Israel, Araghchi Says ‘We Will Defend Our Country To Whatever Extent Necessary’
📹 Al Jazeera pic.twitter.com/LcRVWOx0FJ
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) April 1, 2026
Araghchi also revealed that he continues to receive messages from US envoy Steve Witkoff, but stressed that this did not mean negotiations were underway.
ALSO READ: Donald Trump Tells Aides He’s Willing To End Iran War Even If Strait Of Hormuz Remains Closed
“I receive messages from Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations,” he said. He added that there was “no truth” to claims of talks, with all communications handled through official channels.
His remarks come as Trump suggested the war could be nearing an end. Speaking late Tuesday, the US president said the fighting might conclude in “two weeks, maybe three”, and the White House noted he would soon address the nation with an update on Iran.
The conflict began after US and Israeli airstrikes across Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rapidly escalating into a wider regional war. Since then, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on US and Israeli targets across the Gulf.
The war has also disrupted global energy markets, with Iran maintaining a chokehold on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes. Fuel prices have surged globally, with US petrol prices crossing $4 per gallon, while inflation has risen in Europe.
Despite signs of market optimism following Trump’s latest remarks, Tehran has maintained that no negotiations are underway and that it has not responded to reported US proposals to end the war.
(With inputs from agencies)
