Araghchi: We are ready to confront the United States in a ground attack
Tehran - BORNA - Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said in an interview with NBC News on Thursday evening that “despite U.S. and Israeli attacks across the country, Iran has not requested a ceasefire.”
Responding to a question on whether Iran “fears” a possible U.S. ground attack, Araghchi said in a bold tone: “No, we are waiting for them because we are confident we can confront them, and it will be a great disaster for them.”
Referring to the 12-day war in June during which the Israeli regime’s military and the United States targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, he said: “Even last time we did not request a ceasefire. Last time it was Israel that requested a ceasefire. After 12 days of our resistance against their aggression, they requested an unconditional ceasefire.”
Araghchi noted: “The reality is that we have no positive experience of negotiations with the United States, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of the negotiations they attacked us.”
He added: “Therefore, we see no reason why we should again engage with those who are not honest in negotiations and who do not enter talks in good faith.”
Referring to the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, the Iranian foreign minister said: “There is no winner in this war. Our victory is to be able to resist unlawful objectives, and this is what we have done so far.”
Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that the United States and the Israeli regime have failed to achieve their objectives, adding: “We have been able to resist them, to stand against what they claim is the most powerful army in the world, together with the Israelis who also claim to have a powerful army.”
He also referred to Iran’s operations in self-defense, stating: “We have not attacked our neighbors or Muslim countries. We have targeted American objectives and bases and facilities that unfortunately are located on the territory of our neighbors. Our missiles are still active and are striking their targets with great precision.”
Araghchi added: “Perhaps, as in any war, there are also collateral damages. More than 70,000 people were killed in Gaza, and the Israeli army called all of them collateral damage.”
At the end of the interview, the Iranian foreign minister emphasized: “What have they achieved? What was their objective? They came here to control everything, but they have failed. Our commanders have been replaced and the Supreme Leader will soon be determined. Everything is in order.”
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