According to a report by Al Jazeera on July 20, 2026, Iran has said it will only consider ending its war with the United States after securing what it describes as “the upper hand in the field,” according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The remarks were made during an interview with Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, where he discussed the conditions Tehran believes are necessary before pursuing negotiations.
Araghchi said one of the most important responsibilities during any conflict is determining the appropriate moment to stop military operations and move toward diplomatic talks. He stressed that this decision must be guided by developments on the battlefield and broader strategic considerations rather than pressure or haste.
“The end of the war is possible either through absolute military victory or through negotiations. The right time to negotiate is precisely when you have achieved a reliable field and strategic achievement on the military front.
“You cannot take risks with the lives of the people and the fate of the entire country. Decisions must be made based on accurate and complete calculations,” Araghchi said.
The foreign minister noted that military and political leaders must continuously evaluate the balance between the potential benefits of extending the conflict and the costs it could impose on the country. He said every decision should take into account the impact on civilians, national interests and long-term stability.
Araghchi maintained that negotiations should only begin when Iran believes it has secured a strong strategic position, arguing that such timing would provide greater leverage in any discussions….See More