Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Al-Manar channel that “the situation in Iran is generally good, but there are also problems that are a result of sanctions and economic weaknesses.”
He added: “There are some protests and demonstrations in Iran, which is a normal thing for any government based on popular sovereignty and democracy, where people can express their protests and complaints, and this is happening.”
He pointed out that “alongside ordinary people, there are some elements who engage in riots and attack public places, setting fires, and this is something that needs to be carefully considered.”
Araghchi noted that “the Zionist regime’s officials themselves say in tweets and interviews that Mossad agents are present in Tehran and Iran and play a role in these demonstrations.”
He emphasized that “Dr. Pezeshkian’s government is trying to deal wisely with the issue of demonstrations and riots, listen to people’s genuine protests and complaints, and find solutions.”
Responding to a question about the war against Iran, Araghchi said: “Our armed forces maintained their readiness and defended strongly, ultimately forcing the opposing side to request a ceasefire. If there had been a surprise, it would have led to Iran’s defeat, but Iran was not defeated, and they didn’t achieve their goals. The same thing happened in Lebanon; despite the blows dealt to Hezbollah, the group was able to fight for 66 days and forced the enemy to stop firing.”
He added: “We only defend ourselves, and this defense is legitimate. We are not aggressors or initiators of war, but we defend ourselves very well.”
Iranian Foreign Minister pointed out that “after the 12-day war, our armed forces were rebuilt to a great extent, and our military capabilities were rebuilt. We are now in a much better position than before the start of the 12-day war, and there is complete confidence in Iran.”
Araghchi emphasized that “in the face of US threats, I believe the situation in Iran is very clear. Regarding our peaceful nuclear capabilities, some buildings were damaged, and some centrifuge equipment was harmed, but technology cannot be eliminated through bombing. As for our missile capabilities, firstly, they were not significantly damaged during the war, and all those damages have now been addressed, and our military and defense situation is much better than in the past.”
He affirmed, “We have identified our weaknesses and our enemy’s weaknesses, and we have fixed our weaknesses, and we are fully prepared to defend ourselves. Having full readiness for war does not mean we want war; rather, to prevent war, we must have full readiness to fight, and this is what we have done in Iran.”
Regarding the negotiations file, Araghchi said: “You cannot impose the outcome of negotiations before negotiations; that’s called dictation, arrogance, and greed. Negotiations take place in a context where both sides enter with a methodology of mutual interests.”
Araghchi added: “Of course, we are not negotiating on our missile issues and regional issues, and the reason is clear: Our missile issues are a defensive matter, and no country negotiates about its security and defense… Regional issues are also related to the region itself.”
“Our nuclear program is peaceful and will remain peaceful. If anyone has doubts, we are ready to talk to alleviate doubts, negotiate, and build trust, and in return, our right to enrichment and peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment, must be recognized, and sanctions must be lifted.”
Araghchi revealed that “different countries are seeking to act as mediators, sending messages and conveying them to us,” and that direct contact and message exchange between him and Votelkov continues.
Responding to a question about relations with Lebanon and his visit to Beirut, Araghchi said: “My visits to Lebanon have been continuous, and like other countries in the region, we demand Lebanon’s full independence, preservation of its territorial integrity, and national unity, which is very important.”
Araghchi emphasized, “We demand an end to the occupation and preservation of Lebanon’s full independence, and I believe Lebanon is moving in this direction. We hope that the Zionist entity’s plots and threats will end; we may have differences of opinion on how to confront these plots and threats, but ultimately, this will be a Lebanese decision.”
Iran’s top diplomat pointed out that “Hezbollah’s issues should be resolved within Lebanon itself, and we cannot decide on behalf of Hezbollah or other resistance factions.”
He added: “In this visit, I’m looking to activate other dimensions of cooperation between the two countries, especially in the economic field. Lebanon faces economic problems, and Iran faces economic problems. We believe that trade and cooperation between the two countries will benefit both peoples.”
Araghchi noted that “in the meeting with the Lebanese Economy Minister, he welcomed pushing forward relations between the two countries like those between any other countries in the world.”
He added: “The joint economic committee between the two countries hasn’t been formed in years. We agreed today to form this committee at the first opportunity and study ways to expand economic cooperation. I had a very good session with several Lebanese economic activists.”
Regarding the meeting with his Lebanese counterpart, Araghchi said: “The initiative for this meeting was from my colleague, Mr. Youssef Rajji; he first proposed the idea of dialogue between the foreign ministers of the two countries and requested these talks in a neutral country. I told him I was and still am always ready for dialogue, but to push forward bilateral relations, not to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs. I told him we’re friendly countries with diplomatic ties, and there’s no need for a neutral country. We had these discussions several times, and eventually, I told him I welcome you to Tehran, but if you don’t want to, I’m ready to come to Beirut for talks, which he welcomed. So, the timing was actually initiated by Lebanon.”
Responding to a question about the US aggression on Venezuela, Araghchi said: “For a country to allow itself to do as it pleases anywhere, disregarding the international community and international law, is very serious. The vast majority of countries in the world have condemned this act. This means the law of the jungle, where the stronger does as they wish, assassinating, bombing, kidnapping, and pirating whoever they want. If we continue this way, the international system may collapse.”
Araghchi added: “Last night, the US announced it will withdraw from 66 international organizations, meaning the elimination of all norms governing international relations. They’re turning international relations from being based on law to being based on power, and this is a threat to everyone.”
Iran’s FM continued: “Iran was first, then Venezuela; they failed in Iran, they wanted to do the same thing in Iran, thinking they could force Iran to surrender in three days, but they couldn’t.”
Regarding Yemen, Araghchi said: “Our position is very clear; we’re a party that supports a unified Yemen, a united Yemen, and we oppose Yemen’s division. We want peace and calm to prevail in all of Yemen through Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue.”
About Syria, Araghchi emphasized: “We support Syria’s unity, support stability there, oppose Syria’s division, and support Syria’s territorial integrity.”
Araghchi added: “We’re opposed to occupation and demand an end to the Zionist entity’s occupation.”
Iran’s FM Araghchi finally affirmed that the military readiness of Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic will confront any upcoming war on the Iranian and Lebanese territories, saying: “The best way to prevent wars is to maintain the defensive capabilities.”
Source: Al-Manar English Website