, Jan. 8 -- Iran does not want a war with Israel or the United States, but it is fully prepared to defend itself if it comes under attack again, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beirut, Araghchi said Tehran is also willing to resume negotiations with Washington over its nuclear program, provided the talks are based on mutual respect and not pressure or "dictation" from the US.

His remarks come amid growing fears that Israel, a close US ally, could again target Iran following the 12-day war in June, when Israel struck Iran and killed several senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. During that conflict, the United States also bombed key Iranian nuclear enrichment facili...