Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran has so far exercised restraint in its military response to Israel, asserting that the country has used only a “fraction” of its capabilities in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Warning of a sharper response if provoked further, he said Iran remains fully prepared to escalate if its infrastructure is targeted again.
In remarks shared on social media, Araghchi said, “Our response to Israel’s attack on our infrastructure employed FRACTION of our power. The ONLY reason for restraint was respect for the requested de-escalation”.
“ZERO restraint if our infrastructures are struck again. Any end to this war must address damage to our civilian sites,” he added, underlining Iran’s readiness to retaliate more forcefully.
Araghchi also stressed that any future resolution must take into account the damage caused to civilian infrastructure, signalling that Tehran would push for accountability in any diplomatic outcome.
In a recent interview, Araghchi ruled out the possibility of negotiations or a ceasefire with the US, stating that Iran has prepared for all contingencies, including a potential ground invasion.
He expressed confidence that Iranian forces would be capable of confronting American troops if such a scenario arises.
ON IRAN’S LEADERSHIP CONCERNS
Addressing leadership concerns, Araghchi said Iran’s political and military systems remain stable despite the deaths of top figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and national security official Ali Larijani in recent US-Israeli strikes.
He noted that constitutional mechanisms, including oversight by the Assembly of Experts, would ensure continuity.
The conflict has had wider global repercussions. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned of risks to global food security and trade disruptions, while energy markets have reacted sharply to attacks on key Gulf facilities.
Several Western nations, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Netherlands, have offered support to secure maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy corridor.
Meanwhile, António Guterres has urged an immediate end to hostilities, warning of the risk of further escalation.
Araghchi reiterated that Iran holds the US responsible for the conflict and its consequences, while maintaining its longstanding stance against developing nuclear weapons.
Araghchi’s statements underline Iran’s firm stance amid the escalating war. He attributed responsibility for the conflict and its human and economic toll to the US, calling for accountability.
The Iranian foreign minister also reaffirmed Iran’s opposition to nuclear weapons development, noting that the position of the new Supreme Leader on this issue is yet to be clarified.
