Iran (IMNA) - Speaking in an interview with Lebanon's Al Mayadeen on Wednesday, Araghchi stated that Iran has never sought war and wants peace, but only an “honorable peace.” He added that the country is prepared to continue the conflict if required, citing its military capabilities, national cohesion, and determination to confront aggression.
Referring to the latest round of American-Israeli attacks against Iran, which lasted from February 28 to April 7, Araghchi said Iran's military position is stronger than before the war because military production continued throughout the conflict despite efforts to halt it. He said Iran therefore has the capacity to continue the war for as long as necessary, while expressing hope that reason would prevail and prevent a resumption of hostilities.
The foreign minister argued that the recent conflict altered American perceptions of Iran's military strength. According to Araghchi, the United States came to understand Iran's real capabilities during the war and failed to achieve its objectives, including what he described as an initial demand for Iran's unconditional surrender. He noted that such an outcome never materialized, pointing instead to more than 100 waves of retaliatory strikes carried out by Iran's Armed Forces, which were followed by the announcement of a unilateral ceasefire by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 7.
Araghchi also said there is currently no formal negotiation process underway between Iran and the United States. However, he noted that communication channels remain open between the two sides, although no significant progress has been achieved in recent days. He said both parties are reviewing existing frameworks and that negotiations could resume if conditions become favorable, based on Iran's national interests, the rights of the Iranian people, and the objective of ending the war in both Iran and Lebanon.
On Lebanon, Araghchi stressed that Iran considers an end to aggression on all fronts, including Lebanon, to be an essential condition in any potential memorandum of understanding with Washington. He said Iran does not separate the fate of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel from the war in Lebanon, asserting that either both conflicts end or both continue.
The foreign minister also rejected claims that Trump was responsible for halting Israel's planned attacks on Beirut. Instead, he credited the deterrent power of Iran's Armed Forces and the Lebanese resistance for preventing further escalation. Araghchi said Tehran warned Washington that any attack on Beirut would effectively end the ceasefire, adding that Iran made clear it would not tolerate such an action and that its Armed Forces would respond.
Addressing the role of Hezbollah, Araghchi described the movement as an inseparable part of Lebanese society, defense and politics. He said the international community must recognize this reality and that Hezbollah cannot be ignored or eliminated.
Despite the assassination of several of its leaders, Araghchi said he was not surprised by Hezbollah's resilience, arguing that resistance is rooted in an ideal rather than any single individual.
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