Iran says 'ball in US court', but ready for talks or war

By Agence France-Presse

May 03, 2026 1:39 am

TEHRAN — Iran said Saturday that it was up to the United States whether to pursue a negotiated settlement or to return to open war, but that Tehran was ready for either outcome.

'Now the ball is in the United States' court to choose the path of diplomacy or the continuation of a confrontational approach,' deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi told diplomats in Tehran, according to state broadcaster IRIB.

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