Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday (May 20) the Foreign Ministry was prepared to both negotiate and fight if necessary.

Speaking at a memorial ceremony honouring late former foreign ministers Kamal Kharrazi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, he said Iran's Foreign Ministry's diplomatic efforts would be pursued in close coordination with military commanders.

Araghchi’s comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that negotiations with Iran were in the final stages, while warning of further attacks unless Iran agrees to a deal.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

TEHRAN, IRAN (MAY 20, 2026) (WANA - No use BBC Persian. No use VOA Persian. No use Manoto. No use Iran International. No use Radio Farda)

1. VARIOUS OF IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, ABBAS ARAGHCHI, TALKING AT MEMORIAL CEREMONY IN MEMORY OF IRAN’S LATE, FORMER FOREIGN MINISTERS KAMAL KHARRAZI AND HOSSEIN AMIR-ABDOLLAHIAN

2. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, ABBAS ARAGHCHI, SAYING:

"We (foreign ministry) don't consider our mission separate from the mission of others. Wherever it is necessary for us to fight, we'll fight; wherever it is necessary to negotiate, we'll negotiate. The mission which the state has given to each person is the same mission which the state has given to us. To be in complete harmony with the whole of the state, with the goals of the state as a whole."

3. ARAGHCHI TALKING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, ABBAS ARAGHCHI, SAYING:

"Should it become necessary, should the interests of the state dictate that we prepare ourselves in the field of diplomacy, of discussion, of negotiation, then we will prepare ourselves. But with strength, the same strength with which the armed forces prepare themselves in defence of the country."

5. ARAGHCHI TALKING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER, ABBAS ARAGHCHI, SAYING:

"It can happen that several times each day, I myself and the commanders of the armed forces in the sacred field — we are in good communication and on the same page — take part in various meetings and we all aim for the same goal. And wherever it is necessary we take steps, or will do, in order to carry out our mission as we should. Anyone who wants to ask a question now, go ahead."

7. ARAGHCHI TALKING