Khatibzadeh: Iran Is Working to Prevent a New Clash With the US but Is Prepared for Any Scenario

Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran's deputy foreign minister, told the Al Jadeed news channel on Friday, October 16, 2026 (24 Mehr 1405) that most of Iran's efforts through diplomatic channels and with mediators are aimed at preventing war, but that Tehran is prepared for various scenarios if a new military confrontation with the United States occurs. He said that if a new attack on Iran takes place, Tehran will change the existing balance of power in the region. ISNA reported the remarks.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Khatibzadeh said Washington is misusing the waterway as a tool against Tehran and that its status can be sorted out once the existing threats are removed. He also said Lebanon's Hezbollah makes its own decisions and that Iran respects Lebanese sovereignty. No timetable or operational detail accompanied the remarks.