Araqchi: Iran's Response to Israel Will Be Calculated, Decisive

In an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Mayadeen news network, Araqchi reiterated Iran's unwavering stance with the resistance movements, warning Israel against attacking Iranian nuclear facilities. 

Araqchi warned of a decisive response to any attack on the country’s nuclear facilities, emphasizing Tehran’s calculated approach to Zionist regime’s provocations and its readiness to support allied resistance movements.

"Targeting Iran's nuclear facilities would be a grave mistake," he added, warning Israel against any aggression. Araqchi said that the country would respond in kind to such a mistake.

He said that the Zionist entity has sought to provoke Iran and drag it into a regional war, but Iran has acted wisely to avoid falling into its trap.

He added that Iran's response to Israel will be neither delayed nor hastened , and the Islamic Republic will respond "legally and in accordance with international law."

He dismissed allegations about the vulnerability of Iran’s nuclear facilities, emphasizing the strength of the country’s air defense systems and warning "Israel" against any such attacks.

"I believe such claims are unrealistic, and everyone has come to recognize the efficiency of Iran's air defense systems," Araqchi said.

The top Iranian diplomat also pointed to a growing consensus among regional nations to confront Israel’s actions.

Araqchi stressed that the ongoing war on Gaza and broader Israeli policies could destabilize the entire region.

"The region is experiencing unique circumstances, with ongoing aggressions by the Zionist entity," he said, warning of "the possibility of the war expanding and affecting all countries in the region."

He asserted that the Resistance would emerge victorious in its confrontation with Israel.

Araqchi said Israel has become an outcast, and regional countries have begun to acknowledge the mistake of normalizing relations with it.

"We saw solidarity after the Islamic Republic of Iran executed the True Promise II operation, and I believe regional nations have become more aware and vigilant in the face of Zionist crimes," he explained.

He accused Western nations, particularly the US, of enabling Israel’s aggression by giving the regime a green light for its actions, including the genocide in Gaza and the war on Lebanon.

"Over the past 13 months of the ongoing war in Gaza and since the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, this entity has not hesitated to commit any crime, violating all laws, international treaties, and humanitarian principles," Araqchi said, affirming that a response to Israeli actions is inevitable.

Regarding Iran's relationship with the US, Araqchi reiterated Tehran's position. He reiterated that Iran has no communication channels with the new US administration, underscoring the lack of dialogue as tensions persist. "If the new U.S. administration pursues a policy of maximum pressure and hostility, our position is clear," he said.

He also addressed cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizing Iran’s intent to work constructively despite European opposition. "We have genuine intent to cooperate with the IAEA, but Europe’s actions contradict this approach," Araqchi said. "We had previously warned European countries that we would respond appropriately to such 'political decisions.'"

Araqchi dismissed the impact of external pressure. "Europeans know well that such pressures will not dissuade us from our decision to maintain positive cooperation with the IAEA," he added.

In a show of solidarity, Araqchi highlighted Iran's unwavering support for Lebanon's resistance. "We will not abandon the resistance under these circumstances and will support it with all our resources," he said.

Turning to regional diplomacy, Araqchi praised the state of Iran-Saudi relations, describing them as strong and cooperative. "Our relations with Saudi Arabia are in a very good state, and these ties are based on mutual trust and joint cooperation," he noted.

"We have close positions and views with Saudi Arabia on regional developments, and we believe our relations are on the right path," Araqchi concluded.