Tehran – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut had no choice but to defend against an unprovoked Israeli attack. It emphasizes that Iran does not want war, but that the current hostility suspension remains vulnerable, leaving it fully prepared for any scenario.
Speaking to China’s CGTN, Aragut reaffirmed Tehran’s rights in response to Israeli attacks, emphasizing that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
He stressed that conflict was a one-sided attack, not a mutual conflict, and warned that Israel’s track record would essentially render a ceasefire unreliable.
“We stuck to our soil, bravely defended our nation, and ultimately forced the invaders to halt the operation and demand an unconditional ceasefire.
“We are fully aware that there is no ceasefire involving the Zionist regime being able to rely on, and therefore we are still vigilant and ready to respond in the event of a violation,” he reiterated that Iran has no desire for war.
“We didn’t start this conflict and we don’t want to continue it, but we’re well prepared for any scenario.”
“Iran awaits our authentic commitment to diplomacy.”
When asked about Iran’s hesitation to resume nuclear negotiations with the US, Aragut explained that Tehran was waiting for Washington to see the true political will.
“We are still evaluating the situation because we need to see the true commitment that we need to know not just to be serious about words, but also to be serious about the Win-Win solution. Our nuclear program is strictly peaceful and we are totally confident in it.
He pointed to the 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a historic diplomatic outcome.
“We successfully agreed with P5+1 in 2015. It was celebrated as a massive diplomatic success around the world and supported our commitment. However, the US unilaterally retracted – what we are witnessing now is the direct result of that decision.”
“Diplomacy is the only way to advance.”
Araguchi expressed cautious optimism about the revival of the nuclear deal, but only if Washington abandoned its military approach.
“There is still an opportunity for negotiated agreement, but only if the other side shows true intentions. Military options must be completely off the table. They must move forward through diplomacy.”
He emphasized that the recent Israeli-American strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities has proven the futile military solution.
“Their attacks clearly demonstrated that a military approach cannot dismantle Iran’s nuclear program. Only a diplomatic resolution works – it depends on ending their military policies and compensate Iran for the damage, and only in that case they are ready to re-engage in negotiations.”
“SCO is the platform for global South Empowerment”
Turning to regional partnerships, Aragut praised the full membership in Iran’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), saying it reflects Tehran’s commitment to building new international partnerships outside of the dominant framework.
“We attach great value to SCOs. We provide a platform for global South countries to assert their rightful place in international order.”
He focused on the growing interest of other countries participating in the organization, describing it as a positive trend driven by a shared vision to address security, economic and cultural challenges that differ from the West.
“We are grateful to the SCO Secretariat and to all member states who condemned attacks by Israel and the US, particularly attacks on nuclear infrastructure.”
“Bill of international law that violates nuclear sites”
Finally, Araguchi condemned the targeting of nuclear facilities as a serious violation of international law and a threat to humanity.
“All forms of military attacks violate international law and the UN Charter. But attacking nuclear sites is an even more serious crime. It is absolutely forbidden. It poses a catastrophic environmental risk to humanity.”
He concluded with strong support and solidarity in China, and expressing sadness towards Iranian people, including women and children who have harmed the attack.