Araghchi: Iran defies US, 'Israel' while upholding global law

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 10:36

Speaking at a conference in Tehran, Iran’s foreign minister accused the US and “Israel” of undermining international law and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to lawful defense and regional stability.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is seen here at the "International Law Under Assault: Aggression and Defense" Conference organized by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, on November 16, 2025. (@MehrnewsCom/ X)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the Iranian people have “shattered all the illusions of the Zionist entity and Washington,” underscoring that Tehran continues to pursue its nuclear program “in accordance with IAEA regulations” and within the framework of its international obligations.

Speaking at the international conference titled "International Law Under Assault: Aggression and Defense," organized by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi criticized the systematic erosion of international law by Western powers.

“The founding principles of international law are facing the toughest attacks from powers that were supposed to be its guarantors,” Araghchi stressed in his speech.

The Iranian foreign minister blamed the current state of global instability on what he termed an “anti–international law trajectory” adopted by the United States and some of its allies in recent years, “in favor of a centralized Western order.”

"الشعب الإيراني كسر جميع أوهام الكيان الصهيوني وواشنطن وسير #إيران في برنامجها النووي يمضي وفق قانون الوكالة الدولية"

وزير الخارجية الإيراني عباس عراقتشي في مؤتمر دولي تعقده الوزارة بعنوان "القانون الدولي تحت الهجوم والتجاوز والدفاع"#إيران #الميادين pic.twitter.com/4uUb2VidG9
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) November 16, 2025

He emphasized that Iran “fulfilled all its commitments” under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), while it was “the United States [that] was the party that violated the agreement.” Despite facing continued aggression, Araghchi said Iran “adhered to international norms and laws,” noting: “Had we not stood firmly against the violations of international law, the future would have been far worse than it is today.”

Iran warns no regional state is safe from 'Israel’s' domination schemes

The Iranian foreign minister accused "Israel" of undermining regional stability, stating it has “attacked seven countries and occupied territories in Lebanon and Syria.” He warned that no state in the region is “safe from its ambitions for military and security domination.”

Addressing recent hostilities, Araghchi revealed that the latest Israeli attack on Iran was launched under the direct orders of US President Donald Trump. “Trump dropped the first bomb on the negotiation table between Tehran and Washington,” he said. What Trump termed “peace through strength,” Araghchi argued, was merely “a cover for a renewed doctrine of hegemony through force.”

He asserted that Iran's military response to US and Israeli actions was a matter of “legitimate self-defense,” conducted “with precise planning and in accordance with the principles of necessity, proportionality, and distinction between military and non-military targets.”

According to Araghchi, Iran’s decisive response served as a message to its adversaries. “The peace-loving Iranian people, when at the crossroads of war, stand their ground to the end and make the aggressor regret it,” he emphasized. He further described US hegemonic policy as “a return to the law of the jungle,” arguing that this has left countries with no option but “to possess power in order to protect themselves.”

Araghchi affirmed that Iran has “rebuilt its strength after the aggression” and now maintains even “more powerful” defense capabilities. He reiterated that Iran remains committed to a path of “dialogue and peace,” stating, “We believe in a discourse grounded in international law.”

He concluded by stressing that Iran’s security is intertwined with that of its neighbors, saying Tehran aims to “build lasting trust as the foundation for a new regional environment.” Araghchi called for collective efforts to “establish the pillars of peace and security across the region.”

Talks meaningless under coercion: Mohajerani - Exclusive

In a similar context, Fatemeh Mohajerani, the Iranian government spokesperson, told Al Mayadeen that talks with the West are meaningless as the process remains one-sided and rooted in domination and coercion.

Mohajerani addressed Tehran’s stance on talks with the West, recent military threats, and regional developments. She emphasized Iran’s rejection of one-sided diplomacy, its right to self-defense, and its commitment to strengthening strategic ties with neighboring and allied states.

In an interview for #AlMayadeen, Iran’s government spokesperson #FatemehMohajerani clearly warned that any repeat of an Israeli aggression will be met with a "far stronger and more severe" response than the previous one.

She stressed that #Iran is a nation that seeks peace but… pic.twitter.com/E9Viri5IBs
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 15, 2025

The Iranian government spokesperson told Al Mayadeen that talks with the West are meaningless despite Iran having received messages from various intermediaries, as the process, according to her, remains one-sided and rooted in domination and coercion, at a time when genuine talks require an agreement built on shared interests that safeguard the national interests of both sides.

She said that over the past years, Iran has clearly shown its seriousness, describing how the Islamic Republic's conduct and orientation have consistently leaned toward negotiations, peace, and engagement with the rest of the world.

Iran’s outlook is grounded not in slogans but in action, the government spokesperson asserted.

Addressing the June 2025 aggression on Iran, Mohajerani warned, through Al Mayadeen, that any repeat of such aggression would inevitably draw a response that is even harsher and more forceful than the previous one, reflecting what she described as Iran’s firm determination and commitment to self-defense.