Iran’s FM: No Imminent War, but Readiness Remains Key Deterrent

WANA (Aug 15) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said he does not believe war is imminent, emphasizing that full readiness by the armed forces and government remains the most important factor in preventing conflict.

Speaking on Thursday night in an Iranian television program during his visit to Karbala for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, Araghchi stated: “As an expert in international relations, I do not think war is imminent. But those responsible for potential wartime decisions should not rely on my opinion. The armed forces and the government must maintain preparedness for all scenarios.”

Araghchi described the recent stance of Iraq’s government, clerics, religious authorities, and people during the 12-day conflict as “unprecedented” in support of Iran and in condemning the attacks of Israel and the United States. He called the Arbaeen march a “demonstration of Shia strength,” noting that Shia forces “continue to stand strong on the field” as a result of an “Ashura and Karbala-inspired outlook.”

Addressing the question of war likelihood, he said: “In the past two days during Arbaeen, no one asked me about the possibility of war, but in Tehran this question is frequently raised.” He stressed the need for a balanced public message that avoids both fear and complacency, warning that adversaries may attempt to keep Iranians in a constant state of war anxiety to impose the psychological effects of conflict.

The minister explained that before the 12-day war, regional and international circumstances led him to believe war could be imminent, but current conditions have changed that assessment. He underlined, however, that this was a personal expert opinion and that the country’s leadership must decide at the strategic level. “Preparedness is essential and, in fact, the most important factor in preventing war,” he said, expressing confidence that Iran’s armed forces are ready. He also called for vigilance against new military, political, and psychological tactics.

Iranian Foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Karbala. Social media/WANA News Agency

Reacting to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that he could help Iran solve its water shortage, Araghchi called the remarks “childish, outdated, and foolish,” quoting an old saying: “God has made our enemies foolish.” He accused Israel of hypocrisy, pointing to its blockade of Gaza and deprivation of basic needs such as food.

Araghchi said that if sanctions were lifted, Iran could purify water using its own scientific expertise, adding that solving the water issue requires management, not “miracle” solutions. “Our people will not be swayed by Netanyahu’s statements and pay them no attention,” he stated.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said early discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over a new framework for cooperation have made a “not bad” start, though more time is needed to reach a final arrangement.

Speaking about Monday’s visit by an IAEA delegation to Tehran, Araghchi said initial ideas on future interaction were exchanged with Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization and the Foreign Ministry.

On regional developments, the minister addressed recent reports about U.S. involvement in the South Caucasus following an agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the United States with the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump. He said the full details of the agreement remain unclear but stressed that senior Armenian officials have assured Tehran that all of Iran’s red lines will be respected.

Araghchi said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had spoken with Iran’s president, the Armenian foreign minister had held a phone call with him, and the Armenian deputy foreign minister had visited Tehran in recent days.

Iranian Foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Karbala. Social media/WANA News Agency

He explained that, according to Armenia, a U.S. engineering company registered under Armenian law will construct a road in the region and no American military forces will be stationed there. Security will be handled by Armenia itself. “We will maintain our own vigilance,” Araghchi added.

Regarding the dispute over the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism, the foreign minister said that while the mechanism exists within the nuclear deal, European parties “have no right” to invoke it due to their positions, including a push for zero enrichment, which contradicts Iran’s recognized rights under the agreement. He noted that Iran, China, and Russia share a common stance, challenging Europe’s legal authority on the matter at the UN Security Council.

Araghchi said he had sent a detailed letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council explaining why European states are “no longer members” of the JCPOA. He acknowledged that Europe could still attempt countermeasures, but vowed Iran would use all tools at its disposal to block the move.

While describing snapback sanctions as undesirable, Araghchi argued they have been exaggerated in public discourse, noting that unilateral U.S. sanctions are already more extensive than those of the Security Council. He said most UN measures target individuals and companies, not the broader economy, and would add little to Iran’s current economic restrictions. However, he warned that snapback would reinstate the UN’s arms embargo and return Iran to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, creating political and legal challenges, even if economic effects remain limited.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi praised recent visits by newly appointed Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani to Iraq and Lebanon, calling them both timely and effective. He said Larijani’s Iraq trip had been planned before the recent 12-day war, but leadership changes meant Larijani, rather than his predecessor, traveled to Baghdad. The Lebanon visit, he added, came at a crucial moment and allowed Iran’s positions to be clearly stated to the current Lebanese government.

Addressing a question on the relationship between Iran’s military field operations and diplomatic efforts, Araghchi said there should be no disputes between the two domains, describing them as complementary. He added that media formed a third vital pillar: “If the field and diplomacy succeed but media fails to play its role, we will face setbacks.” He stressed Iran’s strong cooperation with the armed forces.

Araghchi also confirmed that, following recent events and the outbreak of war, the Supreme National Security Council approved the formation of a new Supreme Defense Council. Chaired by the president and including the heads of all three branches of government, senior military commanders, and several ministries including the Foreign Ministry, the body will focus exclusively on defense issues, strengthening military capabilities, and countering potential threats.

Iranian Foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Karbala. Social media/WANA News Agency

On Israel’s reported plan for the full military occupation of Gaza, Araghchi accused the regime of committing every conceivable crime and crossing all red lines, including by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities. He said regional, Islamic, and Western states all opposed the move, creating a rare international consensus, though the U.S. and Israel have shown disregard for global opinion.

“If they were able to fully occupy Gaza, they would have done it already,” Araghchi said, adding that recent events had exposed Israel’s true intentions to many in the region. He noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently invoked the idea of a “Greater Israel,” which would involve annexing parts of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and other territories.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Israel’s true intentions are becoming increasingly clear, but rejected the notion that the regime’s apparent victories signal a march toward complete dominance in the region. He noted that Iraq and Saudi Arabia have condemned recent remarks by Israeli leaders.

Addressing his earlier comments on efforts to disarm the resistance movement, Araghchi clarified that expressing Iran’s views on Lebanon’s situation does not constitute interference. “Hezbollah is a completely independent group that makes its own decisions,” he said, adding that Lebanon’s issues must be resolved through dialogue among its own political and sectarian groups. While respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, Araghchi stressed that Iran will continue to voice its perspective on regional peace.

The minister argued that peace in the Middle East would be unstable without armed resistance. Without it, he warned, “no power could stop the expansionist ambitions of the Zionist regime.” Pointing to Syria as an example, he said Israel had targeted and destroyed even the smallest military facilities there after recent developments. “Israel does not want any strong country in the region — whether friend or foe,” he said, adding that regional experience had shown only resistance could deter Israel, while other approaches tried by Arab states had failed.

Calling resistance a school of thought, Araghchi said it grows stronger despite the loss of commanders or battlefield setbacks. “Like a tree nourished by water, resistance is strengthened by blood,” he said, linking its endurance to the philosophy of Ashura and Arbaeen. “In Shia history, blood has triumphed over the sword — this is not a slogan but a reality proven by history.”