Saednews: Araghchi: The Islamic Republic will continue to defend its sovereign territories and its people, and will utilize all possible and necessary means—not only for military response to U.S. attacks but also to take other measures in this regard.
According to Saednews, “Seyed Abbas Araghchi,” the Foreign Minister, stated at a press conference in Istanbul regarding the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities:
“I have come here from Geneva, where the first ministerial meeting between Iran and the European Troika for peace and stability was held. As you all know, we were suddenly faced with an act of aggression—a clear act of aggression by American forces against Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns this aggression in the harshest terms. The U.S. military attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations is an unprecedented and flagrant violation of international law. This war-mongering government that breaks the law is fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and outcomes of such aggression.”
He added:
“This blatant act of aggression—a military attack by the U.S. on the sovereignty, land, and territorial integrity of a UN member state, in collaboration with the aggressive and genocidal Zionist regime—reflects America’s hostility toward the peace-seeking Iranian nation. We will never compromise on Iran’s sovereignty and independence. The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to defend its territory, sovereignty, and people, and will use all necessary and available means—not only military—but other measures in response to U.S. attacks.”
Araghchi stressed:
“Trump was elected based on promises to end wars in the region and the world, but he betrayed those promises. By this aggressive act, he not only broke his own word but surrendered to the will of a criminal—a criminal intent on looting the assets of other nations. The U.S. military action against Iran’s peaceful facilities is a clear violation of international law and constitutes aggression under Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter, the NPT, and UN Security Council Resolution 2231.”
He continued:
“This U.S. aggression is a breach of international law. The UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General, IAEA, and other international bodies must act within their responsibilities and respond to this blatant violation of international law. These hostile actions are dragging the world into unprecedented tension and are a grave threat to peace and stability, effectively promoting the law of the jungle.”
Araghchi said:
“The Islamic Republic of Iran demands that the UN Security Council hold an emergency session, condemn this aggression unequivocally, and hold the U.S. government accountable for violating international law and the UN Charter.”
He emphasized:
“The rule of the jungle must not prevail. An emergency meeting must be held to condemn this aggression and hold the U.S. accountable.”
Araghchi said:
“The IAEA Director-General bears responsibility here—he gave a green light to war-seeking countries. The IAEA Board of Governors must fulfill its responsibilities regarding this dangerous attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, which were under IAEA supervision.”
He warned:
“The U.S. government has obstructed stability and closed the path to diplomacy by aligning with Israel’s illegal and aggressive behavior. This malicious military action by the U.S. is dangerous and aggressive against the Iranian nation.”
He continued:
“The U.S. government must take full responsibility for the consequences of its actions. Under the UN Charter, Iran has the right to self-defense, and based on our laws and principles, we will defend our nation, security, and interests.”
In response to a question about the extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and the potential risk to neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Araghchi said:
“I have contacted Tehran but have not yet received damage assessments. Regardless, the level of damage is secondary—the attack itself is a violation of international law and cannot be overlooked. It must be condemned.”
Regarding the status of diplomatic talks, he said:
“Last night I had conversations with foreign ministers of several regional countries. All expressed serious concern and emphasized the need to end Israeli aggression.”
He stressed:
“Dialogue should always remain an option, but this is not a normal situation. My country has been attacked—we must respond. Our response will be based on our legitimate right to self-defense.”
Asked about conditions for returning to negotiations and Turkey’s mediation, Araghchi replied:
“The U.S. engaged in direct conflict. There was no obstacle to Iran returning to negotiations—we had already begun them. Two days ago, we were in Geneva negotiating with the Europeans. But Israel sabotaged that process. And now, the U.S. has destroyed diplomacy by attacking us militarily during those talks.”
He continued:
“It was the U.S. and the opposing side that betrayed diplomacy—they even gave Israel the green light to strike during active negotiations. These are not men of diplomacy; they only understand the language of force and threats—which is tragic.”
He added:
“The U.S. has proven it does not respect international norms and is not committed to global governance principles. It has crossed every red line, including last night’s major violation—attacking peaceful nuclear facilities.”
He said:
“We are still assessing the damage—not just to the nuclear facilities, but also to the UN Charter, the NPT, the rule of law, and the entire international legal framework. We don’t know how much time is left for diplomacy.”
Asked about Germany’s position, Araghchi said:
“Iran, which does not possess nuclear weapons, has been attacked by a nuclear superpower and an atomic-armed regime. This is a violation of the NPT. Iran has complied with the treaty—why should any country pursuing peaceful nuclear energy and respecting the NPT be attacked?”
On Iran’s possible reaction:
“I’m not in a position to specify our response. I’m speaking about the NPT’s failure to protect Iran’s peaceful program—this is a major challenge.”
Responding to the U.S. president’s threat of harsher attacks unless Iran seeks peace, he said:
“It is not just Iran that should respond—the international community must act. The UN Charter has been attacked. For 20 years, we’ve proven Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful. We reached an agreement with the P5+1, which was a diplomatic success, but the U.S. withdrew and reverted to sanctions and threats.”
Araghchi continued:
“We now face a government that has once again attacked our peaceful facilities. If this is not condemned, nothing will remain of international law to safeguard global peace. The UN Security Council must act.”
He emphasized:
“We will defend our interests, sovereignty, and people. The Iranian nation understands well that injustice has been committed against them and they stand united with the government.”
Asked if Iran would strike U.S. bases or close the Strait of Hormuz, he said:
“We have many options. We never trusted the West during negotiations, and now we have even more reasons not to. Distrust has deepened.”
He added:
“Diplomacy remains an option, but we must respond first, and once the aggression ends, we’ll reconsider diplomatic efforts.”
Regarding China’s support and Russia’s stance, Araghchi said:
“I’ll be traveling to Moscow today to meet with President Putin. Russia is a friend and strategic partner. We consult regularly and coordinate positions. Russia was part of the nuclear talks and has been briefed on every development.”
“Tomorrow I’ll have serious discussions with President Putin. Russia and China are working together on a UN resolution to prevent hostile acts.”
On Turkish mediation, he said:
“Turkey and other nations have proposed mediation. I met with Turkish officials last night and other regional leaders. Turkey and several others have condemned the attacks and seek to prevent further aggression by Israel and the U.S.”
“As a GCC member, we’ve held talks with foreign ministers. Turkey chaired the session and issued a joint statement condemning aggression.”
“Last night’s attack was not just on Iran—it was an attack on international laws and the UN Charter. It was a major blow to global peace and security, committed by the U.S. The White House is clearly under the influence of Netanyahu’s inner circle. We will proudly and heroically defend our country. The Iranian military is ready…”
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