Iran’s Armed Forces Poised for Defense in Any Situation
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has reaffirmed the nation's military readiness to safeguard its sovereignty in any situation. While emphasizing Tehran's preference for diplomacy over conflict, he underscored the commitment to not overlook potential threats.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed the recent 12-day conflict involving Israel and the continuing tensions in the region. He described reports of a potential renewed Israeli attack as elements of psychological warfare.
Araghchi stated that there are frequent reports suggesting a potential renewed offensive by the Israeli regime. He noted that psychological warfare is an integral component of actual warfare and indicated that it appears they are actively engaging in psychological tactics to instill fear within the nation, portraying it as a facet of a broader conflict.
He stressed that Iran remains vigilant about the potential for conflict. “This does not imply that we are dismissing the prospect of war. We are fully equipped for any situation. Our military and citizens stand ready to defend the nation under all circumstances,” he affirmed.
Araghchi emphasized Iran’s stance against conflict, asserting that Tehran is in pursuit of diplomatic resolutions. “We do not seek war. Our aim is to address issues via diplomacy. While bombardment might demolish infrastructure and equipment, military actions cannot obliterate technology, nor can they erase knowledge from people’s minds,” he stated.
He emphasized that the determination of a nation cannot be shattered by military means. “Crucially, the spirit of a nation remains unbreakable, even under bombardment,” Araghchi asserted.
The Iranian foreign minister highlighted the inefficacy of prolonged sanctions in resolving disputes, emphasizing that years of economic pressure on Iran had not yielded resolutions. He stated, “Prior to any military action, the Iranian populace endured sanctions for many years, but the issues remained unresolved. The only viable path forward is through negotiation and diplomacy.”
Araghchi conveyed significant skepticism towards the United States, asserting that Iran has consistently perceived Washington as an unreliable counterpart in diplomatic discussions. He stated, “We have never trusted the United States as an honest negotiator. The US has not been sincere in anything, and in my view, no one can truly trust it. But this should not prevent choosing diplomacy.”
On June 13, 2025, Israel executed a clear and unprompted offensive against Iran, amidst ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The Israeli strike initiated a conflict lasting 12 days, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,064 individuals, comprising military leaders, nuclear experts, and civilians.
The United States has taken significant military action by conducting airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, a move that has been widely criticized as a serious breach of international law.
The Iranian Armed Forces have launched strikes on strategic locations throughout the occupied territories and the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, recognized as the largest U.S. military installation in West Asia.
On June 24, Iran, by executing successful counteractions against both the Israeli forces and the United States, succeeded in bringing a temporary halt to the hostilities.
