Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran is prepared for "any situation" but remains open to diplomacy. Baghaei told German public broadcaster ARD that Iran has never abandoned negotiations or closed the door to diplomacy, but at the same time is fully prepared to defend its territory and is currently conveying messages through mediators. He criticized Washington's insistence on unilateral demands, including requiring Iran's "complete surrender," and accused European countries of siding with the United States instead of playing an "independent role." Baghaei also stated that due to the military aggression against Iran by the United States and Israel using the entire region, the Strait of Hormuz is unsafe, and Iran has no choice but to take necessary measures to protect its territorial integrity, national security, and people.