TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that the Islamic Republic of Iran is more ready than ever to decisively oppose any act of aggression by the Israeli regime.
In an exclusive interview with The Economist, senior diplomats detailed how Iran’s defense capabilities were significantly strengthened after the 12-day war, turning the country into a formidable fortress. Aragushi stressed that lessons from the conflict have been closely analyzed and have resulted in significant improvements in both the quantity and quality of Iran’s missile capabilities, which are now deployed with more strategic precision.
When asked about Iran’s preparations for possible new hostilities, Araghchi left no room for doubt, insisting that Iran is “even more prepared than the last war.” He elaborated on the country’s unwavering philosophy that true peace is secured through force, saying, “The best way to prevent war is to prepare for war, and we are well prepared.” This firm stance reflects Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense in the face of persistent threats and destabilizing actions by its adversaries.
On the international stage, the Foreign Minister underlined the important support provided by Russia during the recent conflict, which has since grown into a deepening “strategic partnership”. This growing alliance stands in stark contrast to the duplicitous behavior of Western countries, he said.
Regarding the nuclear document, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s longstanding commitment to a peaceful nuclear program and openness to a “fair and balanced” agreement. But he steadfastly rejected orders from foreign countries, especially those from the United States, which had consistently violated its commitments. “We don’t have any good experience negotiating with the United States,” Aragushi said, pointing to the United States’ history of bad faith.
The root of the current impasse lies with the Iranian people. After Iran faithfully complied with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Trump administration illegally withdrew from the agreement and imposed a brutal sanctions regime, a policy of economic terror that the Biden administration has chosen to continue. While European signatories failed to honor their obligations under US pressure, Iran showed strategic patience. Arraguchi made it clear that while the door to negotiations remains open, the days of accepting ultimatums are over. “We are ready for negotiations, but not for dictatorship,” he said, summarizing Iran’s principled and dignified stance on the world stage.