WANA (Aug 28) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Friday night that regional countries have realized relying on the United States for security is a “strategic mistake” following recent military conflicts, adding that Iran’s domestically produced missiles successfully proved their capabilities.

 

Speaking at a meeting with guests of the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference on August 28, Araghchi noted that adversaries launched a major conflict against Iran after failing in previous plots, including attempts to undermine national unity, foster internal divisions, and deploy armed groups.

 

“Last year, after the 12-Day War, I spoke with you, and now I am here after a much larger war,” Araghchi said, explaining that after their previous failure, enemies assumed Iran was unprepared for a prolonged conflict. They tried to break social cohesion through armed terrorist attacks, deliberate mass killings to provoke military intervention, balkanization, and halting Iran’s missile capabilities—all of which failed, leaving them no choice but to request negotiations.

 

“The United States with its vast military power, the Zionist regime, and several Western nations lined up against the Islamic Republic and were defeated,” Araghchi said.

 

According to the Foreign Minister, key takeaways from the recent conflict include:

 

Failure of U.S. Security Guarantees: Araghchi asserted that regional security doctrines based on American defense have failed, stating that U.S. bases in neighboring countries are designed to protect Israel rather than host nations.

 

Targeting of U.S. Assets: He clarified that Iran’s military responses specifically targeted U.S. bases and installations in the region rather than neighboring Muslim nations, reiterating that any American military presence remains a legitimate target if attacks are launched against Iran. He emphasized that Iran’s armed forces will strike any U.S. base, facility, or troop concentration during wartime.

 

Legitimate Defense vs. Aggression: He framed the actions of the U.S. and Israel as illegitimate aggression, while characterizing Iran’s actions as legitimate defense under international principles.

 

Efficacy of Domestic Defense Capabilities: Highlighting the performance of Iran’s missile forces, Araghchi stated that domestically developed technologies performed effectively during the conflicts, whereas foreign-purchased systems proved inadequate. He added that imagery of struck U.S. bases and targets in the occupied territories proved to the world that adversaries cannot stop Iranian missiles.

 

​Araghchi added that during the conflict, which lasted about 40 days, adversaries expected a quick victory within two to three days, with the U.S. President initially demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

 

​Diplomatic Outlook and Regional Relations

​Addressing Iran’s broader foreign policy vision, Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s desire for good-neighborly relations and expanded economic cooperation across the Islamic world, noting special ties with countries such as Turkey, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and states across the Caucasus and Central Asia.

 

​He outlined key regional and international stances, including:

 

​Restoration of Ties with Egypt: Araghchi stated that Iran is fully prepared to resume diplomatic relations with Cairo, confirming that Tehran has fulfilled all prior requests. “At present, there are no points of dispute between Iran and Egypt. Whenever our friends in Egypt reach a conclusion and are ready to restore relations, we are also prepared,” he noted.

 

​Engagement in Lebanon: Reiterating readiness to work with all political factions and the Lebanese government, Araghchi noted that while Iran disagrees with certain policies, it seeks good relations and hopes for “greater rationality to prevail within the Lebanese Foreign Ministry.”

 

​Ties with Africa and Doctrine of Unity: Highlighting historically strong relations with African nations, Araghchi stated that Iran’s foreign policy towards the Islamic world remains rooted in unity and mutual respect, guided by the foundational principles of the Islamic Revolution.

 

​He noted that by targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader and top commanders, enemies mistakenly assumed the system depended on individuals. However, he described the Islamic Republic as a deeply rooted tree fortified by tens of thousands of martyrs, emphasizing that all enemy attempts at regime change ultimately failed.