“I want to offer some explanations on the explicit violation of the Zionist regime of Israel against Iran,” said Araghchi, addressing the attendees.
Araghchi continued that the Zionist regime’s aggressions on different targets in Iran began abruptly, and are considered an invasion of Iranian territory. The attacks were on different targets, the most important of which was the nuclear facilities of Natanz. In addition, some targets inside Tehran were hit, leading to the martyrdom of a number of civilians in Tehran and surrounding cities.
Araghchi emphasized that all these happened while we were amidst negotiations with the United States on the nuclear topic and we were supposed to start the sixth round of the negotiations today.
The Zionist regime does not know any limitations in its violation of international laws. Not only were innocent children and women killed in Gaza, but also human rights and all international standards were broken in Gaza.
This time, the Zionist regime crossed a new red line in international law: attacking nuclear facilities which are prohibited under any condition.
Araghchi noted that “unfortunately, the Zionist regime’s adventurism has been met with the indifference of the United Nations Security Council.”
“I appreciate countries that condemned this aggression. However, there were countries with a claim of civilization in Europe that condemned Iran instead of Israel.”
“We reacted to these attacks based on our right to self-defense,” said Araghchi, adding that this is the legitimate right of any country to defend itself against aggression. This is what our armed forces have started since the last couple of nights.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s intention to attack military and economic targets in the Occupied Territories is to defend itself and counter the aggressor.
“We just targeted military targets on the first night, and because the regime began targeting Iran’s economic locations, we also targeted its economic goals last night in response.”
Araghchi said that attacking Assaluyeh is an explicit violation and a very dangerous act. Dragging the conflict into the Persian Gulf is a strategic mistake and it aims at dragging war outside of Iran’s borders.
Araghchi warned, “Any military development in the region can impact the whole world, and we hope the international community will take measures to stop these crimes.”
“We are faced with the inattention of the United Nations Security Council, unfortunately,” said Iran’s Foreign Minister, and thanked countries that condemned the aggression.
Araghchi said that Iran continues its commitment to its legitimate right to defend itself.
He said that “in terms of attacking the Natanz nuclear facilities, we called on the Director General of the IAEA to hold an extra meeting, which will be held on Monday.”
He hoped for the decisive condemnation of the Zionist regime to be issued.
Araghchi said, “We expect that the Zionist regime will be condemned and punished. If the international community is indifferent to these red lines, the implications will impact all countries.”
Araghchi said, “We think the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran was not possible without support from the U.S. and we must deal with it.
We have concrete documents showing the U.S. forces’ support for Israel’s attacks. We have monitored them carefully and have a batch of evidence showing how American forces are helping Israel. However, remarks by Trump are more important than our evidence, as he explicitly announced his support for Israel in his interviews and said, ‘other phases will come.’
The U.S. is complicit in these attacks and must take its responsibility.”
Araghchi said that “we do not want the extension of war to other countries in the region, unless it is imposed on us.”
“We were negotiating within the framework of diplomatic manners, but the aggression was imposed on us. We defend ourselves powerfully. Our defense is legitimate and in response to the intruders.”
Araghchi said, “If the aggressions are halted, our reactions will be halted too.”
“We were supposed to have negotiations in Muscat,” Araghchi reminded and emphasized that “We believe in the peaceful nature of our nuclear program and ourselves.”
“If the goal of the deal is to deprive people of their nuclear rights, it will be natural that we will not be ready for any agreement.”
“We negotiated for 5 rounds, and the sixth round was supposed to be held today. The U.S. side had offered proposals to us, which were not acceptable to us. We wanted to offer another proposal, and we believe that it could pave the way for an agreement.”
Araghchi said that Israel does not want an agreement. Its aggression against Iran amidst negotiations is an indication of the regime’s opposition to any negotiations. It has happened several times during the past years.
“I remember in spring 2021, we were negotiating to revive the JCPOA when amidst the talks, Israel committed sabotages in Natanz Nuclear Facilities and, because of a power outage, some centrifuges were damaged. All of their attempts were in line with obstructing negotiations. We announced at that period of time that we would start 60 percent enrichment, and it was a reaction to sabotage by Israel.”
“Again, it has done whatever it could to destroy negotiations, and we are sorry that the Government of the United States is collaborating.”
Araghchi concluded that “we have received the messages from the U.S. over the past two days through different channels. But we do not trust their claims. If they have such a claim, it is better that they announce it explicitly. Private messages are not enough. The U.S. needs to announce its precise position and condemn the attack on nuclear facilities.”
Avash News