On the 4th, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi told foreign envoys in Iran that Tehran combines "dignified diplomacy" with a firm defence of national security. He said Iran is ready to pursue a just solution via diplomacy, but warned that if military aggression recurs Tehran is prepared to deliver a heavier retaliatory response, adding that illegal war and new sanctions cannot resolve the crisis and that only negotiations based on dignity, justice and fairness can end the conflict.