Iran is maintaining military readiness while focusing on sustainable peace and interests-based diplomacy, a government spokesperson said [1].
This dual approach signals a strategy of deterrence. By keeping military options open, Tehran seeks to maintain pressure on regional adversaries while simultaneously attempting to secure diplomatic resolutions to long-standing tensions.
The statement was highlighted in a news update broadcast at 4:30 p.m. [2] on May 12, 2026 [2]. The Iranian government spokesperson said, "Iran is keeping its fingers on the trigger but the focus remains on sustainable peace and interests‑based diplomacy" [1].
This rhetoric suggests that the government views military preparedness as a necessary prerequisite for effective negotiation. The administration aims to balance the threat of conflict with a stated desire for stability in the region.
Officials said that the pursuit of peace is rooted in the national interests of the state [1]. This framework allows the government to engage in diplomatic channels without appearing to concede its strategic military capabilities.
The broadcast occurred amid ongoing regional volatility, where the balance between escalation and dialogue remains fragile. The spokesperson said the comments emphasize a preference for stability, provided that the country's security interests are respected [1].
“"Iran is keeping its fingers on the trigger but the focus remains on sustainable peace"”
This positioning reflects a 'coercive diplomacy' strategy. By publicly maintaining a state of high military alert, Iran intends to increase its leverage at the negotiating table. The emphasis on 'interests-based diplomacy' suggests that any sustainable peace agreement will be contingent upon the fulfillment of specific strategic and economic requirements rather than broad concessions.
