Iran has warned that it is prepared to retaliate if the United States or Israel launches new attacks, while stressing that it does not seek war.

Axar.az, citing AP, reports that speaking in Beirut on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready to defend itself if targeted again, following last year’s 12-day conflict in which Israel and the U.S. struck Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

Araghchi said previous attacks on Iran had failed and warned that any repetition would lead to the same outcome. At the same time, he reiterated that Iran prefers diplomacy and is open to negotiations with Washington over its nuclear program, provided talks are based on mutual respect rather than pressure or “dictation.”

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed U.S. pressure on Iran, including the reimposition of a “maximum pressure” campaign and warnings from President Donald Trump of further strikes if Tehran rebuilds its nuclear capabilities. Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is peaceful, despite Western concerns and international scrutiny.