Araghchi: “We Will Never Surrender; We Defend Our People and Our Land”
WANA (Mar 08) – In a comprehensive interview, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi addressed the current state of governance in Iran, the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, and allegations regarding regional strikes and military capabilities. Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s dignity is non-negotiable and that the nation is prepared for long-term resistance.
Internal Governance and the Succession Process
When asked who is currently in charge of Iran, Araghchi clarified that the structure of power remains intact. “The Temporary Leadership Council is currently managing affairs and performing its duties in the absence of the Leader until a new Leader is elected by the Assembly of Experts,” he stated.
He added that the President, the Cabinet, and the Parliament are all operating normally, with all state institutions performing their respective roles.
Regarding speculation that Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei might be chosen as the next Leader, Araghchi noted that no one possesses certain information yet. “There are many rumors, but we must wait for the Assembly of Experts to convene and hold a vote. Whoever they elect—members who were directly chosen by the people—will be the next Leader.”
Araghchi firmly rejected President Trump’s claim that he should choose Iran’s new leader. “This is an internal matter for the Iranian people and concerns no one else. We allow no one to interfere in our internal affairs.”
People attend Friday prayer, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 6, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Rejection of “Unconditional Surrender”
Responding to President Trump’s demand for “unconditional surrender” as a prerequisite for ending the war, Araghchi recalled a similar demand made during a previous conflict with Israel.
“He used the same phrase in a tweet last year, but it did not happen. We resisted, and after twelve days, it was the Israelis who requested an unconditional ceasefire. We will never surrender. We will resist as long as necessary to defend our land, our people, and our dignity.”
Araghchi noted that the current situation differs from previous escalations. While Iran accepted a previous ceasefire in good faith after its infrastructure was destroyed, he argued that it did not lead to a lasting peace.
“This year they attacked us again, killing our people—daughters and students—and targeting hospitals, desalination plants, and refineries. There must be a permanent end to the war before we can reach that stage.”
Iran Warns: Enemy Bases Will Be Destroyed Again
WANA (Mar 07) – The spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said: “We state clearly that we struck them and destroyed them so that it would serve as a lesson to anyone who dares to attack our nation. From now on, whatever the enemy rebuilds—any bases, facilities, or equipment similar to those—will once again […]
Regional Strikes and Targeting U.S. Bases
Addressing reports that Iran fired missiles toward thirteen countries in the region, Araghchi corrected the perception that Iran was attacking its neighbors. “We have not attacked our neighbors. We targeted U.S. bases and facilities that are unfortunately located on the soil of neighboring countries. We are responding to the Americans who started this war against us. Since our missiles do not reach U.S. soil, we target their installations in our vicinity.”
He explained that President Pezeshkian’s apology to neighboring countries was a cultural sign of “dignity and strength,” aimed at the people of the region for the hardships caused by U.S. aggression and Iran’s subsequent response. “It is the U.S. President who should apologize to the people of the region and Iran for the killings and destruction they have caused.”
Military Cooperation with Russia
On the subject of receiving Russian assistance to identify U.S. forces, Araghchi described the relationship as a “strategic partnership.” He confirmed that military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow is not new and is not hidden. “They help us in various fields. I do not have precise military details, but we have very good cooperation that has existed in the past, exists now, and will continue in the future.”
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WANA (Mar 08) – Several Western media outlets have reported that the deadly attack on a school in Minab was carried out by the United States. CNN (First Report): The network reported that responsibility for the deadly strike on the Minab school lies with the United States. CNN (Second Report): According to another […]
Targeting of Civilian Infrastructure
The Foreign Minister reacted sharply to President Trump’s claim that Iran was responsible for a strike on a primary school in southern Iran that killed over 170 people. “That claim is truly ridiculous. That school is ours; those students are our children. They were targeted and killed by a U.S. fighter jet. We were in the middle of diplomacy and negotiations when they decided to attack us. There is ample evidence showing this school was hit by American aircraft.”
Ground Invasion and Missile Range
Regarding a potential U.S. ground troop deployment, Araghchi asserted that Iran is fully capable of defense. “We have very brave soldiers ready to fight, defeat, and destroy any enemy that enters our soil. This will always be the case in Iran.”
Finally, Araghchi dismissed claims that Iran is developing missiles to target Europe or the United States. “This is misinformation. We have the capability to produce missiles, but we have deliberately limited their range to less than 2,000 kilometers so they are not perceived as a threat to others. There is no evidence or information indicating we are developing long-range missiles, let alone those that could reach the United States.”
