Iran’s foreign minister said Saturday that a simple ceasefire would not end the conflict with the United States and Israel, signaling Tehran’s unwillingness to halt fighting without firm guarantees the war will not resume.
In an interview with Japanese media, Abbas Araghchi said it does not appear that Washington is prepared to end what he described as its “aggression,” adding that any resolution must go beyond a temporary truce. “A ceasefire alone is not enough,” he said, stressing the need for a complete and lasting end to hostilities.
Araghchi said Iran views the conflict as one imposed upon it, claiming Tehran was engaged in negotiations with the United States when attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces began. He described those actions as “illegal, unjustified and unprovoked aggression.”
“We are defending ourselves,” he said, adding that Iran will continue its defensive measures for as long as necessary. He also rejected the idea of accepting a ceasefire under current conditions, warning against repeating what he called last year’s unresolved scenario.
The foreign minister emphasized that any agreement must include guarantees preventing a recurrence of the conflict. Without such assurances, he suggested, Tehran would remain wary of halting its military response.
His remarks underscore rising tensions and dim prospects for a quick diplomatic breakthrough as fighting continues in the region.