Iranian Foreign Minister: All Our Actions Are Pure Self-Defense
Araghchi claims Tehran lost commanders but insists its military capabilities remain unchanged
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told ABC News that all of Iran's actions are legitimate self-defense and that Tehran has full right to protect itself and its citizens "by any means necessary." He stressed there is no comparison between an initiated attack and a response for defense purposes.
Araghchi noted that Iran lost several commanders in the strikes but claimed there has been no change in its military capabilities. He said Iran managed to respond to the latest attack faster than during the previous 12-day war with Israel and that the Iranian army is now in better condition both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Regarding the possibility of a political settlement with the US, Araghchi expressed doubt about American intentions, saying Iran had held negotiations with the US twice in the past year and was attacked "in the middle of the negotiations" both times.
When asked who is currently heading the country, he replied that Iran has begun operating according to procedures through a temporary council and the selection of a new supreme leader. At the end of the interview, when asked whether citizens who celebrated in the streets after the supreme leader's assassination would stand trial, he did not answer directly and continued to accuse Israel of involvement in shooting and killing during the protests.
In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, "A deal was within reach. We left Geneva with the understanding that we would sign a deal at the next meeting. Again it was Trump who ordered the bombing of the negotiation table."