Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Sunday that no nation has the authority to dictate how Iran responds to attacks carried out against it, responding to a social media post from President Donald Trump urging Iran not to retaliate.
Escalating Tensions
President Trump wrote on his social media platform early Sunday, warning Iran against a strong response, stating, “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, Though, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!”
Araghchi, in an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” asserted Iran’s right to self-defense. “I don’t suppose any leader of a country has the right to say so. No. We are defending ourselves and we have every right, every legitimate right, to defend ourselves,” he told George Stephanopoulos. He distinguished between initiating aggression and responding to it, stating, “What we are doing is the act of self-defense. There are huge differences between these two.”
Araghchi further emphasized that other nations should refrain from telling Iran how to defend itself. “So one should tell, you know, the president of the United States, ‘Do not attack. Do not make any aggression against another country.’ But nobody can tell us that you don’t have any right to defend yourselves,” he said. “We are defending ourselves; whatever it takes; and we see no limit for ourselves to defend our people, to protect our people.”
When asked about the extent of damage to Iranian military infrastructure, Araghchi acknowledged the loss of some commanders, noting that their names have been publicly announced. However, he stated that Iran’s overall military capability remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did President Trump say about Iran?
President Trump stated on his social media platform that if Iran were to attack with greater force than before, the United States would respond with a force “that has never been seen before.”
How did Abbas Araghchi respond to Trump’s statement?
Abbas Araghchi stated that no leader has the right to tell Iran not to respond to attacks against it, asserting Iran’s right to self-defense.
Has Iran sustained damage from the attacks?
According to Abbas Araghchi, Iran has lost some commanders, but its overall military capability remains unchanged.
As tensions remain high, what steps might be taken to de-escalate the situation and prevent further conflict?
