DUBAI – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday that Iran does not want its conflict with Israel to spread to neighboring countries unless forced. He emphasized that Iran’s actions so far are strictly in self-defense.
Araqchi described the Israeli strikes on the offshore South Pars gas field, shared by Iran and Qatar, as a “blatant aggression” and a dangerous move. He warned that dragging the conflict into the Persian Gulf is a strategic mistake aimed at expanding the war beyond Iranian borders.
The Iranian foreign minister accused Israel of trying to disrupt the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. These talks, which could have led to an agreement, were canceled after the recent surge in violence.
Araqchi said Israel’s attacks would not have happened without U.S. approval and support. He expressed skepticism toward U.S. claims that Washington was not involved in the strikes. According to him, America must condemn Israel’s actions to prove its sincerity.
He stressed that if the foreign aggression against Iran stops, Tehran’s responses will also cease. However, Iran remains prepared to defend itself firmly if attacked again.
The minister concluded by calling on the international community to recognize Iran’s right to self-defense and urged efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.