Nournews: Excerpts from Araghchi’s interview with NBC News are as follows:
Q: The world saw your destroyer sink in the Indian Ocean. Dozens of Iranian sailors died. You said the U.S. will regret this. What will Iran do, and what can you do given your current military situation?
Araghchi: First, it was a Navy training ship invited by the Indian Navy for exercises. They were unarmed and returning from the exercise. Attacking an unarmed training ship full of sailors is a war crime.
Q: Why military send an unarmed destroyer into the ocean?
Araghchi: Because the mission wasn’t for war. It was a peaceful exercise organized by the Indian Navy. Many guests participated, and it was an educational mission. When I said the U.S. would regret it, I meant they have set a dangerous precedent, violating international maritime law.
Q: The U.S. claims air superiority, says Iranian missile attacks have dropped over 80%, and claims over 2,000 Iranian targets hit. The Pentagon says it has a decisive victory. Do you think they are wrong?
Araghchi: After six days, it’s clear the U.S. has not achieved its main goal of a swift, total victory. They failed. Our systems are effective. We have targeted many U.S. and Israeli bases. Our missiles remain precise and active. They could not stop our strikes—that is our victory.
Q: Iran has attacked at least ten other countries, many Arab neighbors. Why target Muslim neighbors during Ramadan?
Araghchi: We have not attacked our neighbors. Our targets are only U.S. bases and facilities, some located in neighboring countries. We have communicated with their foreign ministers—we do not target them.
Q: Iran has hit civilian sites—hotels, towers, airports—not military targets.
Araghchi: No, we target locations with U.S. presence. Collateral damage can happen in any war. This war is not our choice—it is America’s—and they must bear responsibility for all damages.
Q: NATO said an Iranian missile was shot down entering Turkey’s airspace. Are you creating new enemies daily?
Araghchi: Our military denies any missile fired at Turkey or Azerbaijan. Any missile incident may be from other causes. We have no intention of attacking neighbors, but U.S. bases remain targets.
Q: You warned the battlefield would expand if Iran were attacked. Is targeting these countries meant to pressure the U.S. to stop bombing Iran?
Araghchi: No. Our war is with America. They attack us daily, and we defend ourselves. Since we cannot reach U.S. soil, we target nearby U.S. bases. This is a natural consequence.
Q: How long can Iran resist?
Araghchi: We defend ourselves as long as necessary. We act to protect our sovereignty, independence, and honor. We have a history of resisting and forcing enemies to seek unconditional ceasefires.
Q: Will Iran request a ceasefire?
Araghchi: No. We have never requested one. Israel previously did after 12 days of resistance. We continue to defend ourselves.
Q: Can Iran strike U.S. soil?
Araghchi: No. The U.S. has enough bases nearby; no need to go further.
Q: Strait of Hormuz remains open, but threats have disrupted global trade. Will Iran attempt to close it if the war continues?
Araghchi: We have not closed it. International tankers are not our targets. No threat exists for them.
Q: Are there backchannel communications with U.S. officials?
Araghchi: No. There has been no contact since our last meeting. Iran remains committed to its peaceful nuclear program and NPT obligations.
Q: Do you fear a U.S. ground invasion?
Araghchi: No, we are prepared and it would be disastrous for the U.S.
Q: Are Russia and China assisting?
Araghchi: They provide political and other support. Military cooperation with Russia is ongoing.
Q: How is the internet inside Iran?
Araghchi: Most Iranians have access. Restrictions may occur for security during wartime to protect people and facilities.
NOURNEWS