Iran Has Not Yet Used Full Defensive Capacity, Envoy to China Says

Tehran - BORNA -Speaking at a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in Beijing attended by Chinese media representatives on July 28, Rahmani Fazli highlighted Beijing's constructive diplomatic influence as a permanent UN Security Council member with strong ties to Mideast nations.

"China has consistently emphasized dialogue, de-escalation, collective security, and strategic cooperation in the Persian Gulf," Rahmani Fazli said, expressing appreciation for Beijing's ongoing peace initiatives both regionally and within the UN framework.

Addressing a temporary pause in recent U.S. military strikes against Iran and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing visit to Washington, the ambassador affirmed that Tehran remains committed to defending its sovereignty whenever targeted.

"We stated from the beginning that we are obligated to defend ourselves and respond to U.S. attacks. Whenever the U.S. halts its aggressive strikes, we reciprocally halt our actions," Rahmani Fazli stated. He added that global economic pressures, regional diplomatic efforts, and domestic political factors forced Washington to temporarily pause attacks, while warning that Netanyahu's visit serves as a test of whether Washington will be drawn back into wider conflict.

Referring to recent talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, the envoy noted that while Iran remains open to diplomacy under fair conditions, Tehran lacks trust in Washington following repeated breaches of commitments.

"If U.S. aggression continues, we will defend ourselves again," Rahmani Fazli warned, emphasizing that "Iran has not yet utilized its full capacity for defense."

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