RASC News Agency: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek war, but will respond decisively if conflict is imposed upon it. His remarks follow a series of Iranian strikes targeting Israeli infrastructure, in what Tehran claims is a defensive response to recent provocations. Speaking early Sunday morning, Araghchi acknowledged the Iranian military’s latest operations against Israeli targets, describing them as part of a graduated response. “On the first night, we limited our operations to military targets,” he said. “But last night, we expanded our strikes to include economic infrastructure, such as refineries.”
The minister condemned Israel’s earlier attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it a blatant violation of Iran’s red lines. He defended Iran’s retaliatory strikes as an exercise of the country’s legitimate right to self-defense, particularly in matters affecting its national security. “When it comes to safeguarding national security, Tehran will not hesitate,” Araghchi asserted. He further warned that Israel’s actions especially the targeting of Iranian industrial and economic infrastructure constitute what he called a “strategic miscalculation”, with potentially severe consequences for the broader region.
“Dragging this conflict into the Persian Gulf could ignite a chain reaction,” he cautioned, “one that risks pulling the entire world into a wider war.” Araghchi also directed sharp criticism at the United States, accusing Washington of tacitly supporting Israel’s military actions. He made clear that Iran categorically rejects any nuclear agreement that would deprive the country of its rights under international law to peaceful nuclear energy. “The Islamic Republic will never accept an accord that strips it of access to nuclear energy,” he said.
Moreover, he demanded that the United States take a clear and public stance against Israel’s military offensives. “We do not accept Washington’s claim that it played no role in the recent attacks,” he said. “We have evidence to the contrary.” The escalating confrontation between Iran and Israel has heightened regional tensions, with analysts warning that any further miscalculation could spiral into a broader conflict, especially if global powers remain unwilling or unable to de-escalate. While Iran frames its response as a defensive necessity, international observers remain deeply concerned about the potential for uncontrolled escalation particularly in a region already beset by instability and proxy wars.
