Iran criticizes US and Israel over ceasefire

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in his remarks to NBC News, addressed the attacks by Israel and the US against Iran, while specifically criticizing the targeting of civilians, schoolgirls, and hospitals. Araghchi said, "The war needs to be ended permanently. Under current conditions, we must continue the struggle to ensure the safety of our people." Recalling that the short-term ceasefire reached in 2025 was broken by the US and Israel, Araghchi stated, "Now you want a ceasefire again? We cannot continue like this."

CLOSE COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA

In the interview, responding to a question about whether Russia provides military intelligence to Iran, Araghchi noted that the cooperation between Iran and Russia is not a new or secret matter. "They help us in many different areas. I do not have detailed information," the minister said, emphasizing that the relations are not limited to military intelligence.

"WE ARE NOT TARGETING OUR NEIGHBORS"

Araghchi specifically stated that Iran's attacks do not target neighboring countries. With the words, "We are attacking American bases, American facilities, and American assets that are unfortunately located on the territories of our neighbors," he expressed that his country's operations directly target the American military presence.

Addressing the claim put forward by US President Donald Trump that "Iran could soon produce missiles capable of reaching America," Araghchi emphasized that this rhetoric is not true. "You know, we have the capacity to produce missiles, but we have deliberately limited ourselves to a range of under 2,000 kilometers because we do not want to be perceived as a threat by anyone else in the world," he said.

Responding to Trump's statements that he wants to play a role in the process of selecting Iran's new leader, Araghchi stated that they would not allow interference in their country's internal affairs. "We will not allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs. Choosing their new leader is something that is up to the Iranian people," he stated.

"WE ARE AGAINST ANY KIND OF ATTEMPT"

Regarding his assessment of the potential deployment of US ground troops, Araghchi emphasized the determination of the Iranian military, saying, "We have very brave soldiers waiting to fight, kill, and destroy any enemy that enters our territory."

Araghchi added that permanent and realistic steps must be taken to end the conflicts in the Middle East, and that Iran will continue to take all necessary measures for its own security and the protection of its people in this direction.

News Source: 12punto