Araghchi: Iran acts in self-defense, despite outrageous aggression

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
Today 04:34

Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi reaffirms Tehran's right to self-defense, rules out the pursuit of nuclear weapons, and warns against Israeli attempts to escalate the conflict.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, in Tehran, Iran, on February 25, 2025. (AP)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s unwavering commitment to self-defense and diplomacy, while warning against efforts by the Israeli occupation to escalate tensions in the region. In a post shared on X, Araghchi emphasized Iran's defensive stance, stressing that Tehran's actions are purely in response to aggression.

“By now, the whole world should know that Iran solely acts in self-defense,” Araghchi wrote. He pointed out that even in the face of “the most outrageous aggression,” Iran had only retaliated against the "Israeli regime," refraining from targeting those who support it.

Netanyahu's role in escalating the war

Araghchi placed the blame for the current escalation squarely on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of deliberately igniting the ongoing war. He warned that “the world should be highly alarmed about increasing attempts by the failing Israeli regime to get others to bail it out and to expand the flames to the region and beyond.”

The Iranian foreign minister’s words reflect Tehran’s deep concern over what it perceives as growing Israeli efforts to drag the broader region into a larger conflict.

Iran’s stance on nuclear weapons

Reaffirming Iran’s longstanding position on nuclear weapons, Araghchi stated that Tehran has “proven in action” its refusal to pursue such arms. He posed a rhetorical question, pointing out, “If otherwise, what better pretext could we possibly need for developing those inhuman weapons than the current aggression by the region's only nuclear-armed regime?”

This remark underscored Iran's ongoing commitment to its nuclear non-proliferation stance, even as the region faces heightened tensions.

Continued commitment to diplomacy, with a notable exception

Despite the escalation, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s openness to diplomacy. However, he made a notable exception, stating that Tehran will not engage with the "illegitimate, genocidal and occupying Israeli regime."

“As before, we are serious and forward-looking in our outlook,” he concluded, signaling that while Iran remains open to diplomatic efforts, it will not compromise on its core principles or engage with "Israel" directly.