🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 42 (from laksa157)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa042.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/iran-foreign-minister-interview-rcna261920\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/iran-foreign-minister-interview-rcna261920\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/iran\/iran-foreign-minister-interview-rcna261920","crawl_time":1775891570,"first_indexed_time":1772730302,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,nbcnews!www,\/world\/iran\/iran-foreign-minister-interview-rcna261920 s443","src_root_hash":"3867714919315588842","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Iran is 'confident' it could counter a U.S. ground invasion, foreign minister says","meta_descriptions":["Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American troops as the war launched by the United States and Israel has quickly spread across the region."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American troops as the\nwar launched by the United States and Israel\nhas quickly spread across the region. He also refused any negotiations with the U.S. and said that Iran had not asked for a ceasefire.\nAraghchi spoke with “NBC Nightly News\" anchor Tom Llamas in a video interview from Tehran as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue to hit the country.\nWatch “NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas” tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET\/5:30 p.m. CT. and read updates on this story at NBCNews.com.\nHis comments came after the U.S. and Israeli militaries began a sweeping attack on Iran on Saturday, which decimated its military defenses and killed its top authority,\nSupreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.\n03:12\nAsked if he was afraid of a possible U.S. ground invasion, Araghchi struck a defiant tone.\n\"No, we are waiting for them,\" he said and added, \"Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them.\"\nAraghchi also said that Iran has not asked for a ceasefire, despite U.S. and Israeli strikes across the country.\n\"We didn’t ask for a ceasefire even last time. In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire. They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression,\" he said, referring to the\n12-day war last June\nwhen the Israeli and U.S. militaries targeted Iran's nuclear facilities.\nLlamas asked about an\nattack on an elementary school\nin Minab that has killed dozens of schoolchildren, which the U.S. military said is being investigated, and questioned whether it could have been an errant Iranian military munition.\nAraghchi said that 171 children were killed in the attack and that the American and Israeli militaries were responsible.\n\"This is what our military said. So it is either U.S. or Israel. What is the, what is the difference?\"\nLast Thursday, Araghchi was in a very different place, negotiating a possible deal with President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in Geneva.\nThe attack while the negotiations were ongoing has soured Iran on any future talks, Araghchi said, adding that he has had no communication with Witkoff or Kushner since last week.\n\"The fact is that we don’t have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States. You know, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations,\nthey attacked us,\n\" Araghchi said.\nHe added, \"So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, and they don’t and do not enter into negotiation in good faith.\"\nAraghchi had a grim outlook on the outcome of the current conflict.\n\"There is no winner in this war,\" he said. \"Our win is to be able to resist against, you know, the illegal, you know, goals, and this is what we have done so far.\"\nThe killing of Khamenei has left a power vacuum in Iran, with rumors swirling that Mojtaba Khamenei, the former supreme leader's second son, could be chosen as his successor.\nThis could spark criticism within Iran because the passing of authority from father to son defined the monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which brought about the creation of the Islamic Republic.\nAraghchi said that there was a constitutional process in place to determine succession.\n\"There are many rumors around, but you know, we have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to choose a new supreme leader,\" Araghchi said, noting the process could take longer because of the ongoing conflict.\nThe Assembly of Experts is an 88-seat Iranian governmental body tasked with choosing the supreme leader.\nAraghchi added, \"There are, as I said, there are many rumors, but nobody knows exactly who might be elected at the end of the day.\"\nAraghchi dismissed an\nAxios report\nthat Trump has said he needs to be involved in the selection of the next supreme leader.\n\"That is absolutely the business of Iranian people, and nobody can interfere,\" he said.","attrs_markdown":"IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.\n\nSkip to Content\n\nSponsored By\n\n- [Politics](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics)\n- [U.S. News](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/us-news)\n- [World](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world)\n- Local\n  - - [New York](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/new-york)\n    - [Los Angeles](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/los-angeles)\n    - [Chicago](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/chicago)\n    - [Dallas-Fort Worth](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/dallas-fort-worth)\n    - [Philadelphia](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/philadelphia)\n    - [Washington, D.C.](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/washington)\n    - [Boston](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/boston)\n    - [Bay Area](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/bay-area)\n    - [South Florida](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/miami)\n    - [San Diego](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/san-diego)\n    - [Connecticut](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/connecticut)\n- [Sports](http:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/sports)\n- 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[Politics](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/politics)\n- [U.S. News](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/us-news)\n- [World](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world)\n- [Sports](http:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/sports)\n- [Culture](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/culture-matters)\n- [Science](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/science)\n- [Shopping](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select)\n- [Tipline](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/tips\/)\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/health)\n- [Business](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/business)\n\nEXCLUSIVE\n\n[Iran](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/iran)\n\n[Iran](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/iran)\n\n# Iran is 'confident' it could counter a U.S. ground invasion, foreign minister says\nIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke from Tehran in an exclusive interview with \"NBC Nightly News\" anchor Tom Llamas.\n\n0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 50%\n\nPress shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts\n\nKeyboard Shortcuts\n\nEnabledDisabled\n\nPlay\/PauseSPACE\n\nIncrease Volume↑\n\nDecrease Volume↓\n\nSeek Forward→\n\nSeek Backward←\n\nCaptions On\/Offc\n\nFullscreen\/Exit Fullscreenf\n\nMute\/Unmutem\n\nDecrease Caption Size\\-\n\nIncrease Caption Size\\+ or =\n\nSeek %0-9\n\nLive\n\n00:00\n\n00:00\n\n00:00\n\nListen to this article with a free account\n\n00:0000:00\n\n1x\n\n0 seconds of 1 minute, 18 secondsVolume 0%\n\nPress shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts\n\nKeyboard Shortcuts\n\nEnabledDisabled\n\nPlay\/PauseSPACE\n\nIncrease Volume↑\n\nDecrease Volume↓\n\nSeek Forward→\n\nSeek Backward←\n\nCaptions On\/Offc\n\nFullscreen\/Exit Fullscreenf\n\nMute\/Unmutem\n\nDecrease Caption Size\\-\n\nIncrease Caption Size\\+ or =\n\nSeek %0-9\n\nSettings\n\nOff\n\nCC\n\nEnglish\n\nFont Color\n\nWhite\n\nFont Opacity\n\n100%\n\nFont Size\n\n100%\n\nFont Family\n\nArial\n\nCharacter Edge\n\nNone\n\nBackground Color\n\nBlack\n\nBackground Opacity\n\n50%\n\nWindow Color\n\nBlack\n\nWindow Opacity\n\n0%\n\nReset\n\nWhite\n\nBlack\n\nRed\n\nGreen\n\nBlue\n\nYellow\n\nMagenta\n\nCyan\n\n100%\n\n75%\n\n50%\n\n25%\n\n200%\n\n175%\n\n150%\n\n125%\n\n100%\n\n75%\n\n50%\n\nArial\n\nCourier\n\nGeorgia\n\nImpact\n\nLucida Console\n\nTahoma\n\nTimes New Roman\n\nTrebuchet MS\n\nVerdana\n\nNone\n\nRaised\n\nDepressed\n\nUniform\n\nDrop Shadow\n\nWhite\n\nBlack\n\nRed\n\nGreen\n\nBlue\n\nYellow\n\nMagenta\n\nCyan\n\n100%\n\n75%\n\n50%\n\n25%\n\n0%\n\nWhite\n\nBlack\n\nRed\n\nGreen\n\nBlue\n\nYellow\n\nMagenta\n\nCyan\n\n100%\n\n75%\n\n50%\n\n25%\n\n0%\n\nAuto540p (1688 kbps)\n\n1080p (4604 kbps)\n\n720p (3441 kbps)\n\n540p (1688 kbps)\n\n360p (898 kbps)\n\n270p (454 kbps)\n\n270p (261 kbps)\n\nLive\n\n00:02\n\n01:16\n\n01:18\n\n![Volume Muted Icon](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMjMiIGhlaWdodD0iMTciIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyI+PHBhdGggZD0iTTQuMDUxIDYgMTEgMHYxN2wtNy01Ljk4MlYxMUgwVjZoNC4wNTF6TTE3IDcuNTg2bC0yLjEyMS0yLjEyMi0xLjQxNSAxLjQxNUwxNS41ODYgOWwtMi4xMjIgMi4xMjEgMS40MTUgMS40MTVMMTcgMTAuNDE0bDIuMTIxIDIuMTIyIDEuNDE1LTEuNDE1TDE4LjQxNCA5bDIuMTIyLTIuMTIxLTEuNDE1LTEuNDE1TDE3IDcuNTg2eiIgZmlsbD0iI0ZGRiIgZmlsbC1ydWxlPSJldmVub2RkIi8+PC9zdmc+)\n\n- [Add NBC News to Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=nbcnews.com)\n\n[‘We are waiting for them’: Iran’s foreign minister on a possible U.S. ground invasion](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/video\/iranian-foreign-minister-says-iran-is-ready-for-a-possible-u-s-ground-invasion-258765893849)\n\n01:18\n\n[Get more news on](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/watch)\n\nShare\n\n[Add NBC News to Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=nbcnews.com)\n\n![Save hover state](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMjAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyMCAyMCIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEwLjQyNzkgMTEuNjg4OUw5Ljk5MTcxIDExLjI2NzdMOS41NTM4OCAxMS42ODcyTDIuNTA1NDMgMTguNDM5N1YwLjYzMDQzNUgxNy40OTQ2VjE4LjUxMTlMMTAuNDI3OSAxMS42ODg5WiIgZmlsbD0iIzdDNEU5RiIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwLjMiIHN0cm9rZT0iIzdDNEU5RiIgc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoPSIxLjI2MDg3Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPgo=)Savewith a NBCUniversal Profile\n\nMarch 5, 2026, 5:00 PM UTC \/ Updated March 5, 2026, 5:26 PM UTC\n\nBy [Babak Dehghanpisheh](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/author\/babak-dehghanpisheh-ncpn1312480)\n\nIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American troops as the [war launched by the United States and Israel](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/iran) has quickly spread across the region. He also refused any negotiations with the U.S. and said that Iran had not asked for a ceasefire.\n\n![NBC News Icon](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,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)\n\nSubscribe to read this story ad-free\n\nGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.\n\n![arrow](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/rockcms\/2026-01\/arrow-f55fa5.svg)\n\nAraghchi spoke with “NBC Nightly News\" anchor Tom Llamas in a video interview from Tehran as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue to hit the country.\n\n***Watch “NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas” tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET\/5:30 p.m. CT. and read updates on this story at NBCNews.com.***\n\nHis comments came after the U.S. and Israeli militaries began a sweeping attack on Iran on Saturday, which decimated its military defenses and killed its top authority, [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/iran\/live-blog\/israel-iran-live-updates-rcna261099)\n\n0 seconds of 3 minutes, 12 secondsVolume 90%\n\nPress shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts\n\nKeyboard Shortcuts\n\nEnabledDisabled\n\nPlay\/PauseSPACE\n\nIncrease Volume↑\n\nDecrease Volume↓\n\nSeek Forward→\n\nSeek Backward←\n\nCaptions On\/Offc\n\nFullscreen\/Exit Fullscreenf\n\nMute\/Unmutem\n\nDecrease Caption Size\\-\n\nIncrease Caption Size\\+ or =\n\nSeek %0-9\n\nSettings\n\nOff\n\nCC\n\nEnglish\n\nFont Color\n\nWhite\n\nFont Opacity\n\n100%\n\nFont Size\n\n100%\n\nFont Family\n\nArial\n\nCharacter Edge\n\nNone\n\nBackground Color\n\nBlack\n\nBackground Opacity\n\n50%\n\nWindow Color\n\nBlack\n\nWindow Opacity\n\n0%\n\nReset\n\nWhite\n\nBlack\n\nRed\n\nGreen\n\nBlue\n\nYellow\n\nMagenta\n\nCyan\n\n100%\n\n75%\n\n50%\n\n25%\n\n200%\n\n175%\n\n150%\n\n125%\n\n100%\n\n75%\n\n50%\n\nArial\n\nCourier\n\nGeorgia\n\nImpact\n\nLucida Console\n\nTahoma\n\nTimes New Roman\n\nTrebuchet MS\n\nVerdana\n\nNone\n\nRaised\n\nDepressed\n\nUniform\n\nDrop Shadow\n\nWhite\n\nBlack\n\nRed\n\nGreen\n\nBlue\n\nYellow\n\nMagenta\n\nCyan\n\n100%\n\n75%\n\n50%\n\n25%\n\n0%\n\nWhite\n\nBlack\n\nRed\n\nGreen\n\nBlue\n\nYellow\n\nMagenta\n\nCyan\n\n100%\n\n75%\n\n50%\n\n25%\n\n0%\n\nAuto270p (259 kbps)\n\n1080p (4638 kbps)\n\n720p (3441 kbps)\n\n540p (1694 kbps)\n\n360p (906 kbps)\n\n270p (450 kbps)\n\n270p (259 kbps)\n\nLive\n\n00:00\n\n03:12\n\n03:12\n\n![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-760x428,f_auto,q_auto:best\/mpx\/2704722219\/2026_03\/1772731095757_nbc_spec_llamas_iran_fm_cease_260305_1920x1080-0mm73o.jpg)\n\n- [Add NBC News to Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=nbcnews.com)\n\n[Iranian foreign minister says there is 'no request for a ceasefire'](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/video\/iranian-foreign-minister-says-there-is-no-request-for-a-ceasefire-258763333923)\n\n03:12\n\nAsked if he was afraid of a possible U.S. ground invasion, Araghchi struck a defiant tone.\n\n\"No, we are waiting for them,\" he said and added, \"Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them.\"\n\nAraghchi also said that Iran has not asked for a ceasefire, despite U.S. and Israeli strikes across the country.\n\n\"We didn’t ask for a ceasefire even last time. In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire. They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression,\" he said, referring to the [12-day war last June](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/middle-east\/live-blog\/live-updates-iran-top-diplomat-meets-putin-us-braces-retaliation-rcna214428) when the Israeli and U.S. militaries targeted Iran's nuclear facilities.\n\nLlamas asked about an [attack on an elementary school](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/iran\/know-strike-school-iran-death-toll-rises-rcna261266) in Minab that has killed dozens of schoolchildren, which the U.S. military said is being investigated, and questioned whether it could have been an errant Iranian military munition.\n\nAraghchi said that 171 children were killed in the attack and that the American and Israeli militaries were responsible.\n\n\"This is what our military said. So it is either U.S. or Israel. What is the, what is the difference?\"\n\nLast Thursday, Araghchi was in a very different place, negotiating a possible deal with President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in Geneva.\n\nThe attack while the negotiations were ongoing has soured Iran on any future talks, Araghchi said, adding that he has had no communication with Witkoff or Kushner since last week.\n\n\"The fact is that we don’t have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States. You know, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations, [they attacked us,](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/middle-east\/live-blog\/israel-iran-conflict-rcna214241)\" Araghchi said.\n\nHe added, \"So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, and they don’t and do not enter into negotiation in good faith.\"\n\nAraghchi had a grim outlook on the outcome of the current conflict.\n\n\"There is no winner in this war,\" he said. \"Our win is to be able to resist against, you know, the illegal, you know, goals, and this is what we have done so far.\"\n\nThe killing of Khamenei has left a power vacuum in Iran, with rumors swirling that Mojtaba Khamenei, the former supreme leader's second son, could be chosen as his successor.\n\nThis could spark criticism within Iran because the passing of authority from father to son defined the monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which brought about the creation of the Islamic Republic.\n\nAraghchi said that there was a constitutional process in place to determine succession.\n\n\"There are many rumors around, but you know, we have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to choose a new supreme leader,\" Araghchi said, noting the process could take longer because of the ongoing conflict.\n\nThe Assembly of Experts is an 88-seat Iranian governmental body tasked with choosing the supreme leader.\n\nAraghchi added, \"There are, as I said, there are many rumors, but nobody knows exactly who might be elected at the end of the day.\"\n\nAraghchi dismissed an [Axios report](https:\/\/www.axios.com\/2026\/03\/05\/iran-leader-trump-khamenei) that Trump has said he needs to be involved in the selection of the next supreme leader.\n\n\"That is absolutely the business of Iranian people, and nobody can interfere,\" he said.\n\nShare\n\n[Add NBC News to Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=nbcnews.com)\n\n![Save hover state](data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMjAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyMCAyMCIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEwLjQyNzkgMTEuNjg4OUw5Ljk5MTcxIDExLjI2NzdMOS41NTM4OCAxMS42ODcyTDIuNTA1NDMgMTguNDM5N1YwLjYzMDQzNUgxNy40OTQ2VjE4LjUxMTlMMTAuNDI3OSAxMS42ODg5WiIgZmlsbD0iIzdDNEU5RiIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwLjMiIHN0cm9rZT0iIzdDNEU5RiIgc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoPSIxLjI2MDg3Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPgo=)Savewith a NBCUniversal Profile\n\n[Babak Dehghanpisheh](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/author\/babak-dehghanpisheh-ncpn1312480)\n\nBabak Dehghanpisheh is an NBC News Digital international editor based in New York.\n\n- [About](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/information\/nbc-news-info\/about-nbc-news-digital-n1232178)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/information\/nbc-news-info\/contact-us-n1232521)\n- [Help](https:\/\/nbcnews.zendesk.com\/hc\/en-us)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.nbcunicareers.com\/)\n- [Ad Choices](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversalprivacy.com\/privacy\/cookies#accordionheader2)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversalprivacy.com\/privacy?intake=NBC_News)\n- [Your Privacy Choices](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversal.com\/privacy\/notrtoo\/?intake=NBC_News)\n- [CA Notice](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversalprivacy.com\/privacy\/california-consumer-privacy-act?intake=NBC_News)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversal.com\/terms)\n- [NBC News Subscription Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/subscribe\/supplemental-terms)\n- [NBC News Sitemap](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/archive)\n- [Closed Captioning](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/information\/nbc-news-info\/closed-captioning-n1307063)\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/subscribe)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/together.nbcuni.com\/advertise\/?utm_source=nbc_news&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=property_ad_pages)\n- [NBC Select](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select)\n\n© 2026 NBCUniversal Media, LLC","attrs_readable_markdown":"Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American troops as the [war launched by the United States and Israel](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/iran) has quickly spread across the region. He also refused any negotiations with the U.S. and said that Iran had not asked for a ceasefire.\n\nAraghchi spoke with “NBC Nightly News\" anchor Tom Llamas in a video interview from Tehran as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue to hit the country.\n\n***Watch “NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas” tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET\/5:30 p.m. CT. and read updates on this story at NBCNews.com.***\n\nHis comments came after the U.S. and Israeli militaries began a sweeping attack on Iran on Saturday, which decimated its military defenses and killed its top authority, [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/iran\/live-blog\/israel-iran-live-updates-rcna261099)\n\n![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-760x428,f_auto,q_auto:best\/mpx\/2704722219\/2026_03\/1772731095757_nbc_spec_llamas_iran_fm_cease_260305_1920x1080-0mm73o.jpg)\n\n03:12\n\nAsked if he was afraid of a possible U.S. ground invasion, Araghchi struck a defiant tone.\n\n\"No, we are waiting for them,\" he said and added, \"Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them.\"\n\nAraghchi also said that Iran has not asked for a ceasefire, despite U.S. and Israeli strikes across the country.\n\n\"We didn’t ask for a ceasefire even last time. In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire. They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression,\" he said, referring to the [12-day war last June](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/middle-east\/live-blog\/live-updates-iran-top-diplomat-meets-putin-us-braces-retaliation-rcna214428) when the Israeli and U.S. militaries targeted Iran's nuclear facilities.\n\nLlamas asked about an [attack on an elementary school](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/iran\/know-strike-school-iran-death-toll-rises-rcna261266) in Minab that has killed dozens of schoolchildren, which the U.S. military said is being investigated, and questioned whether it could have been an errant Iranian military munition.\n\nAraghchi said that 171 children were killed in the attack and that the American and Israeli militaries were responsible.\n\n\"This is what our military said. So it is either U.S. or Israel. What is the, what is the difference?\"\n\nLast Thursday, Araghchi was in a very different place, negotiating a possible deal with President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in Geneva.\n\nThe attack while the negotiations were ongoing has soured Iran on any future talks, Araghchi said, adding that he has had no communication with Witkoff or Kushner since last week.\n\n\"The fact is that we don’t have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States. You know, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations, [they attacked us,](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/world\/middle-east\/live-blog\/israel-iran-conflict-rcna214241)\" Araghchi said.\n\nHe added, \"So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, and they don’t and do not enter into negotiation in good faith.\"\n\nAraghchi had a grim outlook on the outcome of the current conflict.\n\n\"There is no winner in this war,\" he said. \"Our win is to be able to resist against, you know, the illegal, you know, goals, and this is what we have done so far.\"\n\nThe killing of Khamenei has left a power vacuum in Iran, with rumors swirling that Mojtaba Khamenei, the former supreme leader's second son, could be chosen as his successor.\n\nThis could spark criticism within Iran because the passing of authority from father to son defined the monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which brought about the creation of the Islamic Republic.\n\nAraghchi said that there was a constitutional process in place to determine succession.\n\n\"There are many rumors around, but you know, we have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to choose a new supreme leader,\" Araghchi said, noting the process could take longer because of the ongoing conflict.\n\nThe Assembly of Experts is an 88-seat Iranian governmental body tasked with choosing the supreme leader.\n\nAraghchi added, \"There are, as I said, there are many rumors, but nobody knows exactly who might be elected at the end of the day.\"\n\nAraghchi dismissed an [Axios report](https:\/\/www.axios.com\/2026\/03\/05\/iran-leader-trump-khamenei) that Trump has said he needs to be involved in the selection of the next supreme leader.\n\n\"That is absolutely the business of Iranian people, and nobody can interfere,\" he said.","meta_canonical":null}

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Property	Value
URL	https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/iran-foreign-minister-interview-rcna261920
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HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Iran is 'confident' it could counter a U.S. ground invasion, foreign minister says
Meta Description	Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American troops as the war launched by the United States and Israel has quickly spread across the region.
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Boilerpipe Text	Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American troops as the war launched by the United States and Israel has quickly spread across the region. He also refused any negotiations with the U.S. and said that Iran had not asked for a ceasefire. Araghchi spoke with “NBC Nightly News" anchor Tom Llamas in a video interview from Tehran as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue to hit the country. Watch “NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas” tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT. and read updates on this story at NBCNews.com. His comments came after the U.S. and Israeli militaries began a sweeping attack on Iran on Saturday, which decimated its military defenses and killed its top authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 03:12 Asked if he was afraid of a possible U.S. ground invasion, Araghchi struck a defiant tone. "No, we are waiting for them," he said and added, "Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them." Araghchi also said that Iran has not asked for a ceasefire, despite U.S. and Israeli strikes across the country. "We didn’t ask for a ceasefire even last time. In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire. They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression," he said, referring to the 12-day war last June when the Israeli and U.S. militaries targeted Iran's nuclear facilities. Llamas asked about an attack on an elementary school in Minab that has killed dozens of schoolchildren, which the U.S. military said is being investigated, and questioned whether it could have been an errant Iranian military munition. Araghchi said that 171 children were killed in the attack and that the American and Israeli militaries were responsible. "This is what our military said. So it is either U.S. or Israel. What is the, what is the difference?" Last Thursday, Araghchi was in a very different place, negotiating a possible deal with President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in Geneva. The attack while the negotiations were ongoing has soured Iran on any future talks, Araghchi said, adding that he has had no communication with Witkoff or Kushner since last week. "The fact is that we don’t have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States. You know, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations, they attacked us, " Araghchi said. He added, "So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, and they don’t and do not enter into negotiation in good faith." Araghchi had a grim outlook on the outcome of the current conflict. "There is no winner in this war," he said. "Our win is to be able to resist against, you know, the illegal, you know, goals, and this is what we have done so far." The killing of Khamenei has left a power vacuum in Iran, with rumors swirling that Mojtaba Khamenei, the former supreme leader's second son, could be chosen as his successor. This could spark criticism within Iran because the passing of authority from father to son defined the monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which brought about the creation of the Islamic Republic. Araghchi said that there was a constitutional process in place to determine succession. "There are many rumors around, but you know, we have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to choose a new supreme leader," Araghchi said, noting the process could take longer because of the ongoing conflict. The Assembly of Experts is an 88-seat Iranian governmental body tasked with choosing the supreme leader. Araghchi added, "There are, as I said, there are many rumors, but nobody knows exactly who might be elected at the end of the day." Araghchi dismissed an Axios report that Trump has said he needs to be involved in the selection of the next supreme leader. "That is absolutely the business of Iranian people, and nobody can interfere," he said.
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[Add NBC News to Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=nbcnews.com) [‘We are waiting for them’: Iran’s foreign minister on a possible U.S. ground invasion](https://www.nbcnews.com/video/iranian-foreign-minister-says-iran-is-ready-for-a-possible-u-s-ground-invasion-258765893849) 01:18 [Get more news on](https://www.nbcnews.com/watch) Share [Add NBC News to Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=nbcnews.com) ![Save hover state](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMjAiIGhlaWdodD0iMjAiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAyMCAyMCIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj4KPHBhdGggZD0iTTEwLjQyNzkgMTEuNjg4OUw5Ljk5MTcxIDExLjI2NzdMOS41NTM4OCAxMS42ODcyTDIuNTA1NDMgMTguNDM5N1YwLjYzMDQzNUgxNy40OTQ2VjE4LjUxMTlMMTAuNDI3OSAxMS42ODg5WiIgZmlsbD0iIzdDNEU5RiIgZmlsbC1vcGFjaXR5PSIwLjMiIHN0cm9rZT0iIzdDNEU5RiIgc3Ryb2tlLXdpZHRoPSIxLjI2MDg3Ii8+Cjwvc3ZnPgo=)Savewith a NBCUniversal Profile March 5, 2026, 5:00 PM UTC / Updated March 5, 2026, 5:26 PM UTC By [Babak Dehghanpisheh](https://www.nbcnews.com/author/babak-dehghanpisheh-ncpn1312480) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American troops as the [war launched by the United States and Israel](https://www.nbcnews.com/iran) has quickly spread across the region. He also refused any negotiations with the U.S. and said that Iran had not asked for a ceasefire. ![NBC News Icon](data:image/svg+xml;base64,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) Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. ![arrow](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/rockcms/2026-01/arrow-f55fa5.svg) Araghchi spoke with “NBC Nightly News" anchor Tom Llamas in a video interview from Tehran as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue to hit the country. *Watch “NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas” tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT. and read updates on this story at NBCNews.com.* His comments came after the U.S. and Israeli militaries began a sweeping attack on Iran on Saturday, which decimated its military defenses and killed its top authority, [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/live-blog/israel-iran-live-updates-rcna261099) 0 seconds of 3 minutes, 12 secondsVolume 90% Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts Keyboard Shortcuts EnabledDisabled Play/PauseSPACE Increase Volume↑ Decrease Volume↓ Seek Forward→ Seek Backward← Captions On/Offc Fullscreen/Exit Fullscreenf Mute/Unmutem Decrease Caption Size\- Increase Caption Size\+ or = Seek %0-9 Settings Off CC English Font Color White Font Opacity 100% Font Size 100% Font Family Arial Character Edge None Background Color Black Background Opacity 50% Window Color Black Window Opacity 0% Reset White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan 100% 75% 50% 25% 200% 175% 150% 125% 100% 75% 50% Arial Courier Georgia Impact Lucida Console Tahoma Times New Roman Trebuchet MS Verdana None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop Shadow White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% Auto270p (259 kbps) 1080p (4638 kbps) 720p (3441 kbps) 540p (1694 kbps) 360p (906 kbps) 270p (450 kbps) 270p (259 kbps) Live 00:00 03:12 03:12 ![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-760x428,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2026_03/1772731095757_nbc_spec_llamas_iran_fm_cease_260305_1920x1080-0mm73o.jpg) - [Add NBC News to Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=nbcnews.com) [Iranian foreign minister says there is 'no request for a ceasefire'](https://www.nbcnews.com/video/iranian-foreign-minister-says-there-is-no-request-for-a-ceasefire-258763333923) 03:12 Asked if he was afraid of a possible U.S. ground invasion, Araghchi struck a defiant tone. "No, we are waiting for them," he said and added, "Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them." Araghchi also said that Iran has not asked for a ceasefire, despite U.S. and Israeli strikes across the country. "We didn’t ask for a ceasefire even last time. In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire. They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression," he said, referring to the [12-day war last June](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/live-updates-iran-top-diplomat-meets-putin-us-braces-retaliation-rcna214428) when the Israeli and U.S. militaries targeted Iran's nuclear facilities. Llamas asked about an [attack on an elementary school](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/know-strike-school-iran-death-toll-rises-rcna261266) in Minab that has killed dozens of schoolchildren, which the U.S. military said is being investigated, and questioned whether it could have been an errant Iranian military munition. Araghchi said that 171 children were killed in the attack and that the American and Israeli militaries were responsible. "This is what our military said. So it is either U.S. or Israel. What is the, what is the difference?" Last Thursday, Araghchi was in a very different place, negotiating a possible deal with President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in Geneva. The attack while the negotiations were ongoing has soured Iran on any future talks, Araghchi said, adding that he has had no communication with Witkoff or Kushner since last week. "The fact is that we don’t have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States. You know, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations, [they attacked us,](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/israel-iran-conflict-rcna214241)" Araghchi said. He added, "So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, and they don’t and do not enter into negotiation in good faith." Araghchi had a grim outlook on the outcome of the current conflict. "There is no winner in this war," he said. "Our win is to be able to resist against, you know, the illegal, you know, goals, and this is what we have done so far." The killing of Khamenei has left a power vacuum in Iran, with rumors swirling that Mojtaba Khamenei, the former supreme leader's second son, could be chosen as his successor. This could spark criticism within Iran because the passing of authority from father to son defined the monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which brought about the creation of the Islamic Republic. Araghchi said that there was a constitutional process in place to determine succession. "There are many rumors around, but you know, we have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to choose a new supreme leader," Araghchi said, noting the process could take longer because of the ongoing conflict. The Assembly of Experts is an 88-seat Iranian governmental body tasked with choosing the supreme leader. Araghchi added, "There are, as I said, there are many rumors, but nobody knows exactly who might be elected at the end of the day." Araghchi dismissed an [Axios report](https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/iran-leader-trump-khamenei) that Trump has said he needs to be involved in the selection of the next supreme leader. "That is absolutely the business of Iranian people, and nobody can interfere," he said. 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Readable Markdown	Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American troops as the [war launched by the United States and Israel](https://www.nbcnews.com/iran) has quickly spread across the region. He also refused any negotiations with the U.S. and said that Iran had not asked for a ceasefire. Araghchi spoke with “NBC Nightly News" anchor Tom Llamas in a video interview from Tehran as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continue to hit the country. *Watch “NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas” tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. CT. and read updates on this story at NBCNews.com.* His comments came after the U.S. and Israeli militaries began a sweeping attack on Iran on Saturday, which decimated its military defenses and killed its top authority, [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/live-blog/israel-iran-live-updates-rcna261099) ![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-760x428,f_auto,q_auto:best/mpx/2704722219/2026_03/1772731095757_nbc_spec_llamas_iran_fm_cease_260305_1920x1080-0mm73o.jpg) 03:12 Asked if he was afraid of a possible U.S. ground invasion, Araghchi struck a defiant tone. "No, we are waiting for them," he said and added, "Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them." Araghchi also said that Iran has not asked for a ceasefire, despite U.S. and Israeli strikes across the country. "We didn’t ask for a ceasefire even last time. In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire. They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression," he said, referring to the [12-day war last June](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/live-updates-iran-top-diplomat-meets-putin-us-braces-retaliation-rcna214428) when the Israeli and U.S. militaries targeted Iran's nuclear facilities. Llamas asked about an [attack on an elementary school](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/know-strike-school-iran-death-toll-rises-rcna261266) in Minab that has killed dozens of schoolchildren, which the U.S. military said is being investigated, and questioned whether it could have been an errant Iranian military munition. Araghchi said that 171 children were killed in the attack and that the American and Israeli militaries were responsible. "This is what our military said. So it is either U.S. or Israel. What is the, what is the difference?" Last Thursday, Araghchi was in a very different place, negotiating a possible deal with President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner in Geneva. The attack while the negotiations were ongoing has soured Iran on any future talks, Araghchi said, adding that he has had no communication with Witkoff or Kushner since last week. "The fact is that we don’t have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States. You know, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations, [they attacked us,](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/israel-iran-conflict-rcna214241)" Araghchi said. He added, "So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, and they don’t and do not enter into negotiation in good faith." Araghchi had a grim outlook on the outcome of the current conflict. "There is no winner in this war," he said. "Our win is to be able to resist against, you know, the illegal, you know, goals, and this is what we have done so far." The killing of Khamenei has left a power vacuum in Iran, with rumors swirling that Mojtaba Khamenei, the former supreme leader's second son, could be chosen as his successor. This could spark criticism within Iran because the passing of authority from father to son defined the monarchy that was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which brought about the creation of the Islamic Republic. Araghchi said that there was a constitutional process in place to determine succession. "There are many rumors around, but you know, we have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to choose a new supreme leader," Araghchi said, noting the process could take longer because of the ongoing conflict. The Assembly of Experts is an 88-seat Iranian governmental body tasked with choosing the supreme leader. Araghchi added, "There are, as I said, there are many rumors, but nobody knows exactly who might be elected at the end of the day." Araghchi dismissed an [Axios report](https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/iran-leader-trump-khamenei) that Trump has said he needs to be involved in the selection of the next supreme leader. "That is absolutely the business of Iranian people, and nobody can interfere," he said.
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