WANA (May 20) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly rejected foreign propaganda regarding the defection or resignation of government officials during the recent 40-day conflict, stating that not a single diplomat or ministry employee abandoned their post.

 

Speaking at a memorial ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, May 20, honoring late foreign ministers Seyed Kamal Kharrazi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Araghchi stated that the recent conflict served as a profound test of resilience for the country’s political apparatus.

 

He noted that during the 40 days of war, which he described as still continuing in some ways, his colleagues in Tehran and all managers reported to work at the ministry every single day. He added his belief that there was no other ministry where every single manager remained present at their headquarters throughout the crisis.

 

Defending the Diplomatic Front

The Foreign Minister noted that the international community had miscalculated the resolve of Iranian officials, military forces, and citizens, who he said had stood their ground despite facing active targeting and casualties.

 

Addressing rumors circulated during the early days of the conflict that Iranian officials were fleeing the country or seeking asylum, Araghchi emphasized the absolute cohesion within the diplomatic corps.

 

He declared that not a single such case had occurred and stated his pride that there was not a single instance in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any of their overseas missions where a diplomat had abandoned their post, nor had any local staff left their jobs.

 

He further observed that no one had left to give dissenting interviews, abandon their duties, or seek asylum, despite intensive external efforts to trigger such actions.

 

Araghchi acknowledged that serving abroad poses distinct psychological challenges due to the intense media environment, particularly in Western nations. He explained that outside the country, individuals are subjected to a constant barrage of propaganda, whereas inside Iran, people are together.

 

He remarked that maintaining morale and motivation abroad is incredibly difficult, yet he noted that his colleagues had succeeded, adding that even American officials had now conceded that Iran won the public diplomacy and media war.

 

A “Four-Sided” Defense Strategy

Araghchi outlined a comprehensive national defense framework that integrated multiple sectors of society during the crisis, adding a new element to Iran’s traditional strategic calculus.

 

He explained that while they had always emphasized that the battlefield, diplomacy, and the media were three interconnected sides working together, a fourth side had emerged in this war: the street and the active presence of the public.

 

He pointed out that despite the bombardments, people had taken to the streets, creating a massive wave of mobilization, and that these four dimensions had fully complemented one another.

 

Coordination Between Diplomacy and the Battlefield

Reiterating the unified stance of the Iranian government, Araghchi stressed that diplomatic efforts are fully aligned with military operations and that the state will utilize all available tools to secure its interests.

 

“We do not see our mission as separate from the mission of others. Wherever it is necessary to fight, we will fight, and wherever it is necessary to negotiate, we will negotiate,” Araghchi stated. “This is a mission entrusted to each of us by the system, and our duty lies along this path. We are fully aligned and coordinated with the broader framework and objectives of the system.”

 

He maintained that the diplomatic apparatus stands ready to engage internationally if required by state interests, mirroring the resolve of the nation’s defense forces.

 

“If necessary, and if the interests of the system require it, we will be present in the field of diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation — with the same determination and strength that the armed forces demonstrate in defending the country,” the Foreign Minister emphasized.

 

He concluded by highlighting the constant communication and operational alignment maintained between diplomatic channels and military commands during and after the conflict.

 

“I may be in contact with the commanders of the armed forces several times a day — I won’t mention names — particularly on defense-related matters,” Araghchi said.

 

“Coordination takes place, we participate in various meetings, and we are all moving along the same path. Wherever action is required from us, we will act, and we will have no hesitation in properly carrying out our mission, regardless of what anyone may say.”