U.S. election results irrelevant to Iran, FM says in TV interview
TEHRAN – While the world watched the U.S. election unfold, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared during an interview published on Monday that Tehran is indifferent to the outcome of the vote.
During the televised program, Araghchi asserted that Iran places little importance on the American presidential election and the identities of those elected, declaring, "The fundamental positions and strategies of our country will remain unaffected by these matters."
He further stated, "While we never compromise on our principles and ideals, our tactics may be adjusted."
In response to a question about his message to the Israeli regime, Araghchi stated that during his recent regional trips, he delivered a clear warning from Iran: "Do not test our resolve."
Emphasizing Iran's self-reliance, the Iranian Foreign Minister warned against underestimating the nation, asserting that Iran's capabilities are domestically developed and cannot be dismantled by a few failed missiles or bombs.
He underscored that Iran can continuously add to its capabilities, asserting that the Israeli regime is unable to "destroy" Iran’s nuclear facilities in any fashion.
Araghchi noted that in recent years, particularly over the past year, the Israeli regime has made repeated attempts to trigger an all-out regional war, yet Iran has stood firm against these provocations. He stated, "We did not get trapped in their game; instead, we took charge and led the game ourselves."
He characterized Iran's Operation True Promise I in April and True Promise II in early October as entirely defensive, during which the world observed Iran firing hundreds of ballistic missiles at sensitive military targets in Israel as a reaction to the regime's aggressive actions.
Aragchi emphasized that these measures were grounded in the country's right to legitimate defense as recognized by international law and the United Nations Charter.
"Iran is a great nation with thousands of years of historical and civilizational heritage," he asserted, reinforcing the strength and resilience of the nation.
Reflecting on the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the late leader of Hezbollah, Araghchi expressed, "When I first heard this news, I was thunderstruck. It was achingly somber."
He also characterized the martyred leader of the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon as a “treasure” and noted, "He was a legend; some legends gain even more significance after they are gone, much like the martyred General Soleimani."
Additionally, Araghchi mentioned that he conveyed to leaders during his recent visits to West Asian nations that Hezbollah is still a vital force, stressing that the organization’s combat capabilities are strong and intact, along with its resilient social base.