Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed that the Islamic Republic narrowly escaped full-scale war on three separate occasions in recent years, crediting the country's diplomatic efforts for averting widespread conflict.

Speaking during an episode of the Iranian program The Story of the War, Araghchi said Tehran and its armed forces had been fully prepared for confrontation each time. He attributed the moments of heightened risk to key geopolitical events, including the assassination of martyr Ismail Haniyeh, Operation True Promise 2, the collapse of Syria's former government, and the election of Donald Trump as US President.

"Diplomacy was always the least costly and safest option for achieving goals," Araghchi stated, noting Iran's reliance on political channels over military escalation. He further explained that Tehran had sent a decisive message to the international community: "Any war with Israel will not remain confined to the two parties, not out of a desire to expand the conflict, but because war will naturally expand."

Diplomatic Strength

Turning to the nuclear issue, Araghchi clarified that Iran's approach to the 2015 nuclear deal was rooted in mutual confidence-building and temporary compromises. He dismissed accusations that Tehran sought to develop nuclear weapons. "When Trump expressed interest in negotiating with us, we were ready on that same basis," he said.

Araghchi also revealed that various proposals were discussed during negotiations, including the idea of forming a consortium, an arrangement Tehran ultimately rejected. Despite the collapse of talks under the Trump administration, Araghchi insisted Iran had not suffered losses from engaging in dialogue.

"We did not lose from negotiating; on the contrary, we gained significantly and proved our legitimacy to the Iranian people and the international community," he said.

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Araghchi concluded by underlining Iran's strategic strength: "It was the enemy who asked for the ceasefire, and we delivered the final blow," adding that negotiations following victory are the most effective way to demonstrate power.

Regional Diplomacy Reaffirmed

Speaking to senior diplomats and deputy foreign ministers at the Foreign Ministry on Saturday, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Tehran's unwavering commitment to regional solidarity and multilateral diplomacy in the aftermath of the Israeli aggression. 

He stressed Iran's strategic pivot toward its neighbors and international allies, while condemning the aggression inflicted upon the Iranian people.

"Through established coordination and policies, we will seek to prioritize expansion of closer, deeper, and better relations with our neighbors, and then develop and advance our ties with the countries with which we have good interactions, including Russia, China, the BRICS group, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Union," Pezeshkian stated.

His remarks signaled a foreign policy built on regional integration, South-South cooperation, and resistance to Western-imposed isolation.

"We will also continue the process of cooperation with European countries and other countries based on wisdom, dignity, and expediency," he added, asserting that Iran's diplomatic path would be neither confrontational nor submissive, but grounded in self-respect and strategic patience.

Read more: Iran never pursued war, regional insecurity: Pezeshkian

Pezeshkian hailed the resilience of the Iranian people, who withstood the bombardments with remarkable strength. "The occupying regime aggressively sought during the recent 12-day war to bring the country to its knees, but the dear Iranian nation took outstanding measures that need to be appreciated earnestly," he said.

He also drew attention to Iran's active diplomacy and media engagement throughout the conflict. "Even though some departments were shuttered down for a while, our loved ones were present in relevant bodies and established international ties," he noted, commending those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.