Speaking to NBC News on Thursday, Araghchi said that Iranians defend themselves as long as necessary, adding that they are victims of aggression, and what they are doing is defending themselves — and they have the right to do so.
The top Iranian diplomat said that Iranians defend themselves based on their dignity, adding that their dignity and independence are more important than anything else, and they are willing to pay any price to preserve their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and honor.
Referring to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, Araghchi said that after six days of war of aggression, it is evident that US has failed to achieve its primary objective — a swift and complete victory.
He said that the American-Zionist forces are trying to justify their attacks, but their reasoning has been utterly ineffective. Now they are talking about “Plan B,” which will likely lead to an even greater defeat, he added.
The enemies’ goal was to change the government and achieve a swift victory — but to no avail, he noted.
Araghchi underlined that the governing system in Iran is working well, adding that new commanders have been appointed, and the new leader will soon be chosen according to the constitution.
Iran has been targeted, but its Armed Forces have successfully hit many of their objectives in Israel and American bases, he said, adding, “Our missiles remain active and precise. Therefore, they were unable to prevent our missile strikes from reaching Israel and other targets. This is our victory and we have managed to resist.”
The top Iranian diplomat added, “In war, there is no true winner. But our victory is resistance against the enemy’s unlawful objectives.”
Araghchi rejected claims that Iran had launched attacks on neighboring countries, emphasizing that the only targets of Iran’s armed forces were American bases and facilities — unfortunately located on the soil of neighboring countries.
“Iran had previously warned all regional nations that if the United States attacks Iran, our only option is to strike their facilities within your territory — and this may result in a war spiraling out of control, causing catastrophe across the entire region. This war is not our choice — it is America’s choice, and they must bear full responsibility for all the damages,” he said.
Analysts note that the joint US-Israeli invasion, which began on February 28, 2026, following the martyrdom of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, disregarded ongoing indirect negotiations. In response, Iran launched precise retaliatory strikes against Israeli positions and US bases, citing its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and warned that further escalation will invite a harsher reaction.
(Source: IRNA news agency)