Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Sunday that Iran would respond more forcefully than before if its adversaries again chose military action and added that Tehran remained committed to diplomacy.
“If the enemies once again choose the path of military confrontation and war, Iran’s response will be much stronger and more decisive than in the past,” Araghchi told ambassadors, diplomatic mission chiefs and representatives of international organizations in Tehran, according to a post on his Telegram channel.
Araghchi said Iran had demonstrated both its willingness to pursue diplomacy and its determination to defend itself during meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
He also outlined Iran’s proposal to restore security in the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, saying Tehran had demonstrated its “good faith and continued seriousness” in using diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
“It became clear to everyone at this meeting that the Islamic Republic of Iran is serious about diplomacy, just as it is serious and determined in defending itself,” he said.
Araghchi rejected US assertions that members of the Iranian delegation had been expelled from the United States, saying the delegation entered and departed according to its previously announced schedule.
He also called for European countries to answer for what Tehran alleges was their role in US and Israeli military attacks on Iran, and said sanctions, pressure and threats would not weaken Iran’s determination to defend its interests.
Source: www.iranintl.com
