According to an Iran International English report of Tuesday 24 of February 2026, a former Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ramin Mehmanparast, has said that Tehran must maintain full readiness for war to prevent conflict. He made the remark as the country prepares for the third round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States (US) in Geneva on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Mehmanparast emphasized that Iran seeks a fair and respectful agreement but warned that external pressures would not sway Tehran.
“The ball is in the Americans’ court,” he said, highlighting that while Iran is open to negotiations, it will not compromise its principles under coercion.
Mehmanparast rejected the notion that military threats could extract concessions from Iran, stressing the importance of deterrence.
“If we want war not to happen, we must be 100% ready for war,” he said. He added that the country’s armed forces were fully prepared, operating at the highest level of readiness, a measure he described as essential for protecting national security and sovereignty.
The former diplomat’s comments come amid heightened international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear programme and ongoing tensions with Washington. While the upcoming talks in Geneva are indirect, they represent one of the few diplomatic channels remaining between the two nations since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Observers note that Tehran has consistently signalled its commitment to nuclear development for peaceful purposes while maintaining a defensive posture in the face of perceived threats. Mehmanparast’s statement reinforced that message, combining a call for negotiation with a firm stance on military readiness.
Analysts suggest that Tehran’s insistence on preparedness is designed to strengthen its negotiating position, signalling that any attempt to pressure the country could meet firm resistance. The approach reflects a broader Iranian strategy of balancing diplomatic engagement with credible deterrence.
Mehmanparast also underlined that the upcoming talks are an opportunity to achieve a mutually respectful outcome. He made it clear that Iran will continue its nuclear and defence programmes independently, ensuring that it remains fully capable of responding to any threat……See More
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