Iran’s top diplomat has issued a defiant message: the Islamic Republic acts only in self-defense, has no ambition for nuclear weapons, and remains open to diplomatic solutions—even as the region teeters on the brink of conflict.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote: “Iran solely acts to defend itself and never attempted to acquire nuclear weapons.” He went on to assert proudly: “We will continue to exercise our right to self-defense with pride and bravery, and we will make the aggressor regret and pay for its grave error.”
Araghchi also stressed that, despite enduring what he called “outrageous aggression,” Iran’s responses have been targeted solely at Israeli military objectives, not those who support Israel, signaling a commitment to restraint.
Blaming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Araghchi accused him of “manufacturing this war to destroy diplomacy”, and warned the world to be “highly alarmed” at what he described as attempts by the Netanyahu government to drag others into the conflict and expand the crisis.
Yet diplomatic engagement remains in Iran’s sights. According to the New York Times, a senior Iranian Foreign Ministry official said Tehran is prepared to meet soon with U.S. President Donald Trump to explore a ceasefire with Israel. However, Trump has indicated he wishes to use such talks to address Iran’s nuclear program.
That potential diplomatic opening stands in contrast to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, who rejected U.S. negotiations just a day earlier—warning that any attack on Iran would provoke a severe, irreversible response.
So tonight, the message from Tehran is clear: Iran rejects nuclear ambitions, denies any intention to escalate the conflict, and says it is prepared to defend itself—but remains willing to talk peace.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are now on whether Iran will follow through on its diplomatic overture—or if the region edges closer to broader confrontation.
We will continue tracking this story.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
