The recent assault against the Islamic Republic was not a simple war but a deliberate and unprovoked act of aggression by the Israeli entity, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed on Saturday.

In an interview for China’s CGTN channel, Araghchi underscored that Iran was compelled to exercise its legitimate right to self-defense. He stated that Iranian forces successfully repelled the attackers, who later pushed for an unconditional ceasefire.

In an interview with @CGTNOfficial, FM @araghchi said that "this is not a conflict; it is an act of aggression — an unjustified act of aggression by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran." pic.twitter.com/Y8NvRsX5rw

— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) July 19, 2025

“War has never been our choice,” he said. “But if it is imposed on us, we are completely ready.”

The foreign minister cautioned against placing trust in any ceasefire agreements involving the Israeli entity, citing its “extremely poor track record.” Araghchi stressed that Iranian forces remain on high alert in the event of any violations.

“We remain alert and fully prepared in the event of a ceasefire violation,” he added, reiterating Iran’s defensive posture.

Nuclear talks hinge on political will

Addressing the issue of nuclear negotiations, Araghchi said Tehran is awaiting a genuine political commitment from the other parties involved. He emphasized that Iran seeks a balanced, win-win resolution.

The foreign minister reaffirmed Iran’s consistent position that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful. Referring to the 2015 nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group, he highlighted that the deal ensured transparency and restricted the program to non-military objectives. Iran, he said, continues to honor the agreement.

He attributed the current tensions to the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the deal, calling it the source of the ongoing crisis.

Only diplomacy can prevent further escalation

Commenting on recent attacks targeting Iranian facilities, Araghchi argued that military solutions have failed to deliver results. He stressed that only a diplomatic path could lead to a lasting resolution.

“A diplomatic path is only possible if the other side abandons its military agenda and compensates for the damage done,” he stated. He also warned of dire environmental consequences following any attack on peaceful nuclear facilities, calling such actions severe and unforgivable.

Turning to regional alliances, Araghchi expressed gratitude for the support extended by member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, particularly China. He praised Beijing’s firm stance in backing Iran, stating that Tehran expects comprehensive political support at the upcoming SCO summit.

Iran's Araghchi meets China's Xi Jinping ahead of SCO summit

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping last Tuesday for a brief bilateral meeting ahead of his participation in the 25th Ministerial Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). 

Upon his arrival in the Chinese city of Tianjin, Araghchi stated that the visit aims to attend the SCO foreign ministers' summit hosted by China, emphasizing that the organization is gradually expanding its scope beyond the regional arena toward a broader global role.

The summit’s agenda includes multifaceted discussions on economic, political, and security issues. According to the top Iranian diplomat, the SCO will continue developing strategies in key sectors such as energy, trade, and economic cooperation, alongside scheduled international discussions.

Key bilateral meetings on the sidelines

Araghchi underscored that the summit presents a vital opportunity for high-level bilateral meetings. Notably, his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister is considered especially significant amid current global developments.

He is also set to hold discussions with the Russian foreign minister and representatives from other SCO member states, focusing on bilateral relations and regional developments.

He further commended the SCO for issuing a firm statement against the assault on Iran, in which the organization stressed the offensive as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a threat to regional and international security.

Read more: China says war can't solve Iran nuclear issue, Israeli strikes illicit