WANA (Feb 02) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, emphasized that the country is ready for diplomacy but stressed that diplomacy cannot coexist with intimidation or threats, highlighting that “diplomacy has its own principles.”

 

Protests Are a Legitimate Right

Referring to recent events in Iran, Araghchi stated, “Protest is the legitimate right of the Iranian people.” He described the incidents that followed January 8 as a continuation of a “12-day war,” noting that terrorist elements were involved during those three days.

 

“We must distinguish the 10 days of protests from these three days. As I have previously stated, those three days were a continuation of the 12-day conflict, during which the enemies ultimately failed to achieve their objectives,” he added.

 

Balancing Diplomacy and Defense

Araghchi underlined Iran’s dual approach, saying, “While we have always been men of war, we have also consistently been men of diplomacy. We have never abandoned diplomacy and have never missed an opportunity to secure the interests of the Iranian people.”

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister also emphasized the coordination between Iran’s armed forces and its diplomatic corps: “We stand together with the armed forces—they fulfill their duty, and we fulfill ours in diplomacy. All our efforts are aligned toward safeguarding the interests and security of the Iranian people.”

 

He continued, “After failing in their recent plots, it is the enemies who now speak of diplomacy. We are ready for dialogue, provided it is based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit. Anyone who addresses the Iranian people with respect will be responded to in kind; anyone who uses force will receive a forceful response.”

 

Standing Against Aggression

Recalling the onset of the 12-day conflict, Araghchi drew parallels with Iraq’s 1980 invasion of Iran and stated, “we would respond to the aggressors just as we did during the eight-year war.”

 

A Defining Moment in Iranian History

Araghchi described the 12-day war as “a turning point in Iranian history, deserving years of study and discussion.” He recalled that during that period, the U.S. President called for Iran’s unconditional surrender while also proposing negotiations.

 

Araghchi said, “We were ready to negotiate, but they insisted that a ceasefire could be an outcome of talks. From the very first night, our armed forces responded to the attacks, and by the twelfth day, those who had demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender were forced to discuss a ceasefire without preconditions.

 

This was the result of the Iranian people’s determination, confidence, and resistance—a confidence inherited from Imam Khomeini and guided by the Supreme Leader.”

Day three of Iran-Israel war — Massive IRGC barrage hits Israel / WANA News Agency

Day three of Iran-Israel war — Massive IRGC barrage hits Israel / WANA News Agency