Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran’s recent military actions against Israel were carried out in self-defence, amid ongoing hostilities between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday — his first public appearance since Israeli airstrikes began on Friday — Araghchi warned that Iran does not wish to see the conflict escalate into neighbouring countries, unless compelled by circumstances.
“If the aggression stops, our responses will also stop,” Araghchi told reporters and foreign diplomats gathered in the Iranian capital.
The remarks come as Israel launched a third consecutive day of airstrikes across Iran, reportedly targeting military and nuclear-related infrastructure. Some Iranian missiles reportedly bypassed Israeli air defences and hit structures deep inside the country.
Araghchi criticised the United States for failing to condemn what he described as “illegal Israeli strikes” on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “The US must not remain silent on this blatant violation of international law,” he said.
He reiterated Iran’s stance that its military response is rooted in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows for self-defence in the case of armed attack. “Our actions have been defensive in nature. We do not seek war, but we will not remain silent in the face of aggression,” he said.
He said Tehran had evidence to show US forces supported the intense bombardment campaign Israel launched against the Islamic republic this week.
“We have solid proof of the support of the American forces and American bases in the region for the attacks of the Zionist regime military forces,” Araghchi told foreign diplomats in a meeting broadcast on state TV.
He said that Israel had “crossed a new red line” by targeting Iran’s nuclear sites in strikes.
The FM slammed the United Nations Security Council, accusing it of “indifference” over Israel’s deadly attacks on Iran.
Araghchi said the Israeli attack “is being met with indifference at the Security Council”, adding that Western governments have “condemned Iran instead of Israel despite it being the side that was violated”.
He further stated that the attacks on Israel will end once Israel halts its military campaign against the Islamic republic.
“We are defending ourselves; our defence is entirely legitimate,” said Araghchi in a meeting with foreign diplomats, adding that “this defence is our response to aggression. If the aggression stops, naturally our responses will also stop.”
The foreign minister said the Israeli strikes on the offshore South Pars gas field that Iran shares with Qatar were a “blatant aggression and a very dangerous act”.
“Dragging the conflict to the Persian Gulf is a strategic mistake, and its aim is to drag the war beyond Iranian territory,” he said.
There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities following the Iranian minister’s remarks. However, Tel Aviv has previously indicated that its strikes are aimed at preventing Iran from advancing its military and nuclear capabilities.
