Iran (IMNA) - Speaking to ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations based in Tehran on Sunday, Araghchi reviewed Iran’s diplomatic activities during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and outlined Tehran’s positions on regional developments.
He said Iran had a strong and influential presence at the General Assembly, with Iranian officials holding consultations with the presidents and foreign ministers of more than 60 countries, as well as senior officials of regional and international organizations. The delegation also held meetings with think tanks, political figures, intellectuals and media representatives.
Araghchi said the meetings demonstrated Iran’s continued commitment to diplomacy and peaceful solutions while protecting its national rights and interests.
“It became clear to everyone at this assembly that the Islamic Republic of Iran is serious about diplomacy, just as it is serious and determined in defending itself,” he said.
The foreign minister also highlighted Iran’s seven-day proposal for restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the initiative demonstrated Tehran’s goodwill and its continued efforts to prevent further escalation. Under the proposal, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened within seven days if the necessary conditions were accepted.
Araghchi warned that Iran would respond more firmly if its adversaries once again opted for military confrontation.
“If our enemies again take the path of military confrontation, they will receive a firmer response than before, and we will defend ourselves more strongly than before,” he said, while stressing that Iran remains ready to pursue a just and honorable solution through diplomacy.
He also rejected US claims that the Iranian delegation had been expelled from the United States, saying the delegation entered and left New York according to its previously announced schedule.
Araghchi described the US claim as an admission of Washington’s failure to meet its obligations as the host country of the United Nations, as well as a sign of its frustration with Iran’s active presence at the General Assembly.
He compared the behavior to a host country expelling another country’s athletes after they lose a competition, calling it “childish and contemptible.”
Turning to regional diplomacy, Araghchi said Iran had held effective, respectful and friendly meetings with neighboring countries, particularly the Persian Gulf states. He said Tehran had begun a new process of confidence-building with its neighbors based on good-neighborliness.
According to the foreign minister, a shared determination has emerged among the countries of the Persian Gulf to promote peace, stability and security through the participation of regional states themselves.
“We have begun a new path to build trust between neighbouring countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and especially in the Persian Gulf, we are traversing this path well,” he said.
Araghchi also referred to Iran’s meetings with European countries, saying Tehran had conveyed its position that European governments should adopt a responsible and independent approach toward developments in West Asia.
He criticized European countries over their reported involvement in the US military campaign against Iran, citing remarks by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte about European participation in the conflict. Araghchi said European countries should explain their role and reconsider their approach toward Iran.
The Iranian foreign minister also condemned US sanctions against Iran as “inhumane and illegal,” stressing that sanctions, pressure and threats would not weaken the Iranian people’s determination to defend their rights and dignity.
Araghchi said Iran’s diplomatic efforts in New York had also demonstrated that attempts to isolate the country had failed. He noted that he had met with 42 foreign ministers, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held meetings with nearly 10 heads of state.
“The perception some in America may have had that they could turn Iran into an isolated country was completely defeated,” Araghchi said, adding that Iran demonstrated at the General Assembly that it remained a powerful and respected member of the international community with proposals for both war and peace.
He expressed hope that the United States would choose “wisdom and rationality,” but warned that Iran was more prepared than before to take necessary measures to defend itself if Washington again pursued military solutions.
“If they choose the path of diplomacy, we remain ready,” he said.
Araghchi concluded that neither military action nor additional sanctions could provide a lasting solution to the conflict, arguing that negotiations, justice, fairness and diplomatic dignity were the only viable path toward ending the war and what he described as illegal and unjust aggression against Iran.
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