TEHRAN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said mediation efforts are underway by several countries to end the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi speaks at a weekly news conference in Tehran, Iran, on March 16, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Araghchi made the remarks in a Friday interview with Japan's Kyodo News, published Saturday, while voicing Iran's openness to any initiative to that end.

He said that Iran does not seek a ceasefire, "but a complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war," reminding that the war has been "imposed" on Iran.

The attacks began when Tehran was in the middle of nuclear negotiations with the United States, Araghchi said, adding that Iran's response to the U.S.-Israeli attacks constitutes self-defense and will continue for as long as needed.

On the Strait of Hormuz, he said Iran has not closed the waterway, but has imposed restrictions on vessels belonging to countries involved in anti-Iran attacks.

Araghchi said Iran is ready to ensure safe passage for other states' vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Tehran.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded by launching waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East.