Tehran - BORNA - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, addressed various foreign policy issues and regional developments, asserting that Iran is powerful enough to resist and defeat nuclear-armed powers.
In his conversation with the Qatari broadcaster, Araghchi touched upon recent threats by the Zionist regime, emphasizing that these threats are more of a psychological warfare tactic than practical actions. "We hear a lot that the Israeli regime might attack again. It must be noted that psychological warfare is part of real war, and they are currently working on creating agitation and fear within the country," he stated.
Araghchi added, "Our people are accustomed to this psychological warfare. For years, the U.S. and Israel have made threats, and the U.S. always said 'all options are on the table.' This was mostly to instill fear in society, and today that same trend continues."
The 12-Day War: A Failed Experience for Enemies
Referring to the recent 12-day conflict, Araghchi noted, "The possibility of war always exists, but both the U.S. and the Israeli regime know that the past war was a failed experience. Repeating that experience will result in nothing but defeat."
He emphasized, "Our armed forces and our people are fully prepared to defend the country. This does not mean we desire war; rather, our priority is diplomacy. In New York, I tried to provide an opportunity for diplomacy, but the U.S. and Europe had already made their decision regarding the 'Snapback' and had excessive demands."
Araghchi noted, "For us, diplomacy is the priority, but we are prepared for any other situation. As we showed in the previous war, we defend the country with full readiness." He added that if there is any rationality, a failed experience should not be repeated. "We face enemies who refrain from no crime. What happened in Gaza showed they recognize no limits. Therefore, we are fully prepared, yet we have never closed the doors to diplomacy."
No Military Solution to Iran’s Nuclear Issue
Araghchi stressed that the solution to Iran’s nuclear issues is not military. "Just as we stood against the U.S. and Israel before, we will stand again this time. They brought the largest bombers and most advanced fighters and used their strongest bombs to attack underground facilities, but no result was achieved."
He added, "The Iranian nuclear issue has no military solution. Buildings and equipment may be damaged, but knowledge and technology cannot be destroyed with bombs. Even if some scientists are assassinated, there are others to continue the technological path. Most importantly, the will of a nation cannot be destroyed by bombardment."
He noted that years of sanctions and military threats have failed to solve any problems, and ultimately, they will be forced to return to a negotiated and diplomatic path.
If Iran’s Rights are Ignored, No Agreement Will Be Reached
Regarding the illegal attack on nuclear facilities, Araghchi said: "Our nuclear facilities have been seriously damaged and many pieces of equipment destroyed, but the knowledge and technology have not perished. The will of the Iranian people remains intact. As the Supreme Leader stated, Iran's nuclear technology is not imported; it is the product of Iranian scientists' knowledge and can be reproduced."
Addressing the strike on U.S. bases, he clarified: "We did not attack Qatar; we attacked the U.S. base in Qatar. If the U.S. attacks our nuclear facilities, it should expect us to attack U.S. military bases. It makes no difference where these bases are located. we live in full friendship with our neighbors, but the presence of U.S. bases on the soil of some countries is a reality that will define our war with the U.S."
He advised President Trump: "My suggestion to the U.S. President is to return to diplomacy. Finding a negotiated solution is, in my view, completely achievable, provided that both sides respect each other’s rights and are ready for an agreement based on mutual interests."
Attack was on the U.S. Base, Not Qatar
Araghchi elaborated on the diplomatic tensions following the strike: "When Iran attacked the U.S. base in Qatar, GCC foreign ministers went to Doha to express solidarity and issued a statement. I contacted all six foreign ministers and asked them to please include Iran’s name under that statement as well, because we have no problem with Qatar. Our attack was not on Qatar, but on the U.S. base which, unfortunately, was located on Qatari soil."
Regarding trust in Washington, he said: "We never consider the U.S. an honest negotiator. The U.S. has not been honest in any field, and I believe no one can trust them. However, this does not prevent us from trying diplomacy. Yet, the reality is that our trust in any negotiation with the U.S. has gradually eroded. The Supreme Leader recently stated that negotiation with the U.S. is a complete dead-end."
The E3’s Blow to Diplomacy
The Foreign Minister criticized the actions of the three European countries (E3) in the Security Council: "The move by the three European countries to restore UN sanctions was a blow to diplomacy. This action did not solve the main problem; it made it harder and more complex."
Regarding cooperation with the IAEA, Araghchi noted: "Many in Iran believe that IAEA inspections and the information obtained from our facilities were passed to Israel and the U.S., facilitating the attack. After this military operation, we were forced to halt our cooperation with the Agency to reach a new framework, as an attack on nuclear facilities was unprecedented."
He added that while he and Mr. Grossi signed a new framework in Cairo as a gesture of goodwill, it was ignored by the West as they moved toward the 'Snapback'. "The Cairo agreement is no longer functional, and Iran is forced to reconsider its cooperation with the Agency."
Trump’s Remarks are Interference in Internal Affairs
Finally, addressing Donald Trump’s comments about Iran, Araghchi said: "This is blatant interference by the president of one country in the internal affairs of another. Whether Iran becomes a great nation or not concerns only the people of Iran. I strongly recommend that the U.S. respect the Iranian people and the system they have chosen."
He concluded, "Iran today is large and powerful enough to resist and frustrate two armies equipped with nuclear weapons. The U.S. President had a chance to receive the Nobel Peace Prize if he had moved in the right direction. Unfortunately, his attempt for this prize turned into a military attack against Iran—an act the Iranian people cannot ignore or forget."
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