WANA (Jul 08) – Senior Iranian officials have launched a fierce rhetorical counteroffensive following derogatory remarks and renewed threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Tehran characterized the American leader’s language as a sign of strategic desperation, warning that Iran will defend its national sovereignty with decisive action.

 

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei issued coordinated statements condemning Washington’s insults and accusing the U.S. of actively breaching bilateral maritime agreements in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Araghchi: “We Answer Vulgarity with Action”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the U.S. President’s rhetoric, stating that derogatory language cannot overshadow Iran’s historical standing.

 

“Addressing the civilized and courageous nation of Iran with derogatory language does not diminish its greatness,” Araghchi said. “Iranians are known for their civility, culture, and strong moral values. We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with great valor.”

 

Gharibabadi: Trump’s Threats Are an “Admission of Defeat”

Echoing the Foreign Minister’s sentiments, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the hostile rhetoric emanating from Washington is a clear indicator that the United States’ long-standing pressure campaign has collapsed.

 

“Trump’s statements—ranging from insulting the Iranian nation to threatening further military strikes—are not a show of strength, but rather an admission of the failure of a policy built for years on coercion, sanctions, and threats,” Gharibabadi asserted, noting that these measures have failed to bring Iran to its knees.

 

The Deputy Foreign Minister added bluntly: “The criminal and murderous Trump must be spoken to in his own language; apparently, he understands the language of force best.”

 

Foreign Ministry: U.S. Has Violated Strait of Hormuz Agreement

Compounding the diplomatic fallout, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the United States of systematically dismantling a key bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding maritime security.

 

In a statement published on X (formerly Twitter), Baghaei prefaced his remarks with a Quranic verse warning against betrayal, emphasizing that Iran’s diplomatic engagements with Washington have never been rooted in trust.

 

“From the very first step, the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States was structured not on trust, but on a clear mechanism of ‘commitment for commitment,’ as there was never any sign of good faith in the opponent’s behavior,” Baghaei wrote.

 

According to the spokesperson, the U.S. has directly violated the core tenets of the agreement. “Now, despite the explicit stipulation of Paragraph 5 of this MoU—which underscores the Islamic Republic of Iran’s responsibility in determining the arrangements for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz—the United States has challenged this clause. Through its unilateral actions and aggressive attacks against Iran, Washington has effectively violated the structure of the agreement.”

 

Baghaei concluded with a stern warning: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will resolutely pursue the protection of its national interests and the exercise of its sovereignty.”