Iran’s FM Reaffirms Commitment to Self-Defense, Rejects Nuclear Arms Ambitions
Araghchi warns against Israel’s attempts to expand regional conflict.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s position on self-defense, nuclear policy, and diplomacy in light of escalating tensions with Israel. His remarks were posted on his official X account.
In a four-point statement, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s military actions have been limited to self-defense. “Iran solely acts in self-defense,” he wrote, adding that even amid “the most outrageous aggression against our people,” Iran has responded only to Israel and not to its allies. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of manufacturing the war to undermine diplomatic efforts.
“The world should be highly alarmed about increasing attempts by the failing Israeli regime to get others to bail it out and to expand the flames to the region and beyond,” Araghchi warned.
Addressing international concerns about Iran’s nuclear intentions, Araghchi reaffirmed that Tehran has no ambitions to develop nuclear weapons. “We have never sought and will never seek nuclear weapons,” he stated, adding that “If otherwise, what better pretext could we possibly need for developing those inhuman weapons than the current aggression by the region's only nuclear-armed regime?”
He continued by asserting Iran’s right to retaliate. “Iran will continue to exercise its right to self-defense, with pride and bravery, and we will make the aggressor regret and pay for its grave error,” he declared.
Despite heightened hostilities, Araghchi underlined Iran’s commitment to diplomacy. “With the exception of the illegitimate, genocidal and occupying Israeli regime, we remain committed to diplomacy,” he said. “As before, we are serious and forward-looking in our outlook.”
By now, the whole world should know that:
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 18, 2025
(1) Iran solely acts in self-defense. Even in the face of the most outrageous aggression against our people, Iran has so far only retaliated against the Israeli regime and not those who are aiding and abetting it. Just like Netanyahu… pic.twitter.com/cEUCaLHpAL
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Araghchi is expected to meet on Friday in Geneva with the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany, as well as the EU’s foreign policy chief. The meeting, described by European officials as potentially significant, aims to address the latest developments and urge Iran to return to the negotiating table.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Araghchi spoke with the three European foreign ministers earlier this week. The talks are seen as a potential diplomatic opening, with European leaders—such as French President Emmanuel Macron—calling for a “demanding negotiated solution” to end the conflict.
Macron held a meeting of his national security council on Wednesday to address the situation in Iran and instructed his foreign minister to prioritize diplomatic engagement.
The statement from Araghchi and the upcoming talks come amid rising regional tensions following a wave of confrontations between Iran and Israel, with international concern growing over the potential for a wider conflict.