Iran will not renounce its right to respond to 'Israel': Araghchi
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The Iranian FM tells his French and British counterparts that Iran does not seek to escalate the war or heighten regional tensions but maintains its right to respond to Israeli aggression.
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Newly-appointed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks in an open session of parliament during the second day of debate on the 19 proposed ministers by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP)
Iran reserves the right to respond to the Israeli assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, reiterated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday.
In a phone conversation with his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne, Araghchi condemned Haniyeh's assassination as a violation of Iran’s territorial integrity, stressing that his country maintains the right to retaliate against this "terror act".
He also urged France and other Western countries to hold the Israeli occupation regime accountable for being the main instigator of the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.
In a separate context, Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran's readiness to strengthen constructive relations with Paris.
On his part, Sejourne congratulated Araghchi on his new role as Iran's Foreign Minister and expressed readiness to continue diplomatic engagements on bilateral, regional, and international levels.
The French Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of facilitating a truce in Gaza to ease tensions and move toward peace.
In a separate conversation, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also extended congratulations to Araghchi and noted that the new government in Iran presents an opportunity to expand diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Touching on the situation in Gaza, Lammy also encouraged Iran to contribute to de-escalation efforts in the region.
During the conversation, Araghchi asserted that while the Islamic Republic does not seek to escalate the war or heighten regional tensions, it will not renounce its right to respond to the Israeli crime that targeted Tehran.
Elsewhere, the two top diplomats exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including ongoing negotiations for the removal of sanctions imposed on Iran.
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