Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran does not want a ground war, but is prepared to defend itself if necessary. In an interview, Araghchi emphasized that Iran respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighboring countries, and criticized the US for using Gulf states as a “human shield.” He claimed that the US military bases in the region are a threat to regional security and that the US is using the Gulf states to counter Iran.
Araghchi also stated that Iran is prepared to respond to any attack on its territory, including a potential ground invasion. He warned that any such attack would result in “devastating consequences” for the aggressor.
The Iranian Parliament’s National Security Commission Chairman, Ibrahim Azizi, said that the current situation in the region is a result of the Trump administration’s regime change policies. Araghchi stated that the US and Israel are preparing for war with Iran and that this could lead to a conflict that would last for at least six months.
Iran and Oman are expected to discuss the security of the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict, and Araghchi stated that the strait would become a peaceful transit point for oil exports.
The conflict has already resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, and experts warn of devastating economic effects. CNN reported that US President Donald Trump had considered removing US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller over his criticism of the US role in the conflict.
The Iranian government has condemned the US and Israeli airstrikes on a research center in Tehran, which killed a woman and left a prominent scientist, Dr. Kamal Kharazi, in a coma. China has warned that the Strait of Hormuz would not be reopened if the conflict continues, and has called for a ceasefire.
Austria has refused to grant the US permission to use its airspace to conduct airstrikes on Iran, and US Congresswoman Yasmine Taeb has condemned Trump’s threat to attack Iran with missiles, calling it “extremely inflammatory and frightening.” Trump responded to the criticism by saying that those who have been critical of him are the same people who have been critical of him throughout his presidency.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has stated that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is safe and not affected by the US and Israeli airstrikes. The Iranian government has warned that any country that attacks Iran will be “completely destroyed.”
