Araghchi: Iran's Missile Response Based on Legitimate Right to Self-Defense
“Our response is based on the principle of self-defense. This is a well-established principle in international relations and a legitimate right of every nation. Our missile strikes against military and economic targets in the occupied territories are solely a defensive measure in response to aggression,” said Araghchi.
Foreign Minister Araghchi, during a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday, June 15, explained the recent developments and what he described as a blatant act of aggression by the Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran. “From early Friday morning, the Zionist regime launched attacks on various targets in Iran without any prior provocation—an unmistakable violation of Iranian sovereignty,” he said.
Highlighting the scale of the aggression, Araghchi stated: “Multiple sites were targeted, the most significant being the Natanz nuclear facility and several locations inside Tehran, including residential areas. These strikes led to the martyrdom of numerous civilians in Tehran and other cities, including women, children, families, university professors, nuclear scientists, and military commanders who were not engaged in combat.”
‘Israel Respects No Boundaries in Violating International Law’
He added: “This aggression occurred while we were in the midst of indirect negotiations with the United States regarding the nuclear issue. The sixth round of these talks was scheduled to take place today, Sunday, in Muscat. The Zionist regime recognizes no limits in breaching international law. As you’ve all witnessed in Gaza—not only were innocent Palestinian civilians killed, but so too were humanitarian law, international law, and every standard of international conduct. This time, Israel crossed an unprecedented red line by attacking nuclear facilities, which is a grave violation of international law and categorically prohibited under any circumstances. Unfortunately, the UN Security Council remained indifferent.”
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Araghchi noted that many nations, particularly regional ones, condemned the Zionist regime’s attacks on Iran, especially the assault on its nuclear infrastructure. “I sincerely thank the ambassadors here and the countries they represent that condemned this aggression. Of course, there were also some European nations that claim to uphold civilization and international law, yet instead of condemning Israel, they condemned Iran—for being attacked.”
‘Iran’s Response is a Legitimate Right’
He continued: “In response to these attacks, we acted. Our response was based on the principle of self-defense—a principle universally recognized in international relations and the undeniable right of any country facing aggression. Our armed forces initiated retaliatory action two nights ago, and last night we saw a further escalation. This will continue.”
Araghchi emphasized: “Our missile strikes on military and economic targets in the occupied territories were aimed solely at defending ourselves and countering aggression. On the first night, we limited ourselves to military targets. However, since yesterday, when the Zionist regime escalated its assault to include economic targets—such as Tehran’s refinery and oil installations in Asaluyeh—we too expanded our operations to include economic targets, including Israeli refineries.”
Referring to the attack on Asaluyeh, Araghchi said: “This is a flagrant act of aggression and a highly dangerous development. Dragging the conflict into the Persian Gulf region is a grave strategic error—likely deliberate—with the aim of expanding the war beyond Iranian territory.”
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The Foreign Minister described the Persian Gulf as a “sensitive and complex” region: “Any military escalation here could engulf the entire region—and even the world. The Zionist regime took that step yesterday. We hope the international community acts swiftly to stop these crimes and acts of aggression.”
‘Iran Will Continue to Defend Itself with Strength’
Araghchi stated: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its legitimate defense with strength. Our armed forces will fulfill their duties decisively. Regarding the attack on Natanz, I have requested that the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hold an emergency session, which will be held on Monday. We expect the session to issue a firm condemnation of Israel’s blatant violation of international law and its assault on nuclear facilities.”
He called on ambassadors whose countries are members of the IAEA Board of Governors to relay this issue to their capitals: “Our expectation—and that of the international community—is a strong condemnation of the attack on nuclear facilities, and even the punishment of the Zionist regime for this action. This may be the last red line of international law that Israel has crossed. If the world remains indifferent to such violations, the consequences will extend far beyond Iran.”
‘The U.S. Is Complicit in Israel’s Aggression’
The Foreign Minister stressed: “In our view, Israel’s aggression against the Islamic Republic could not have occurred without U.S. coordination and support. We have concrete evidence of backing from U.S. forces and bases in the region during the Zionist regime’s military strikes on Iran. Iran has carefully monitored and continues to monitor these activities. There is ample proof of American involvement. Even more revealing are the statements by the U.S. President himself—in tweets and interviews—where he explicitly said such operations wouldn’t have been possible without American equipment and promised further steps.”
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Araghchi emphasized: “From Iran’s perspective, the United States is a partner in Israel’s aggression and must accept responsibility. Iran responded by targeting sites inside the Zionist entity. We do not seek to expand the war—unless it is imposed on us. We do not wish for it to spread to other countries or the region—unless forced upon us. We never sought war; we were actively engaged in diplomacy over our nuclear program. But this aggression was imposed on us, so Iran will defend itself—and it will do so rightfully and powerfully. Our actions are in direct response to aggression. If that aggression stops, naturally, so will our responses.”
Araghchi emphasized: “We were scheduled to hold the sixth round of nuclear talks in Muscat today. As I have repeatedly stated, we are confident in the peaceful nature of our nuclear program and have no problem proving that to the world, as we did with the 2015 nuclear agreement. We are ready for any deal that ensures Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons—because our doctrine prohibits them. However, if the goal is to strip Iran of its nuclear rights, we cannot agree to such terms.”
‘Israel—The Enemy of Every Agreement and Every Diplomatic Effort’
“Iran entered negotiations with the U.S. in good faith and has participated in five rounds of talks. In the sixth round, we were prepared to present a constructive proposal in response to the American draft, which we found unacceptable. We had prepared a counterproposal that, in our view, could have paved the way to an agreement.”
He added: “It is now absolutely clear: the Zionist regime does not want any nuclear agreement, any negotiation, or any diplomatic resolution. Attacking Iran in the middle of nuclear talks reveals its complete opposition to diplomacy.”
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The Foreign Minister recalled: “This is not new. In past years, Israel repeatedly tried to sabotage negotiations through assassinations, sabotage, and similar actions. I remember in spring 2021, while we were negotiating to revive the JCPOA in Vienna, Israel sabotaged the Natanz enrichment facility—cutting power and damaging numerous centrifuges. Our response then was to increase enrichment to 60%. The decision to begin 60% enrichment was a direct response to Israel’s sabotage—and the damaged centrifuges were replaced with even more advanced models. The current aggression is also aimed at destroying diplomacy, and we regret that the U.S. has gone along with it.”
‘The U.S. Must Publicly Condemn Israel’s Aggression’
Araghchi stated: “Over the past two days, we received a message from the U.S. claiming they had no involvement in the attack and would not participate. We reject this claim, as the evidence says otherwise. But if the U.S. truly believes this, then let it make its stance public. A private message is not enough. The U.S. government must clearly and openly condemn the attack on our nuclear facility. Under international law, such attacks are plainly prohibited. If the U.S. wants to prove its sincerity regarding nuclear non-proliferation, it should unequivocally denounce this assault and distance itself from this conflict.”
He concluded: “We hope the international community pays due attention to this matter. The best path toward peace in the region and the world is to stand firmly against Israel’s crimes and aggression and its blatant disregard for the foundational principles of international law.”
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