Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended his country’s actions during a high-stakes NBC News interview. The Abbas Araghchi NBC News interview aired as U.S. and Israeli strikes continued across Iran.
Araghchi described conditions inside Iran as tense but controlled. He acknowledged ongoing attacks and public panic. However, he insisted the government remains stable.
He confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran’s president are alive. He also said senior officials remain in their positions.
Araghchi called the U.S. and Israeli strikes an act of aggression. He said Iran responded in self-defense by targeting U.S. military bases in the region.
He stressed that Iran does not intend to attack American civilians. Instead, he said Iran’s missile strikes focus on military installations.
Moreover, Araghchi questioned why the United States attacked during active negotiations. He said Iran had made progress in recent talks in Geneva.
According to Araghchi, negotiators addressed serious concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. He claimed both sides had agreed to continue technical discussions in Vienna.
However, he said the strikes disrupted what he described as meaningful diplomatic progress. He suggested outside influences may have contributed to the escalation.
When asked about nuclear weapons, Araghchi denied any intent to develop them. He said Iran remains committed to peaceful nuclear energy.
He also rejected claims that Iran’s missiles can reach the American homeland. He said Iran intentionally limits missile range to under 2,000 kilometers.
Still, he defended Iran’s ballistic missile program as essential for deterrence. He said Iran will not compromise on its defense capabilities.
Araghchi dismissed calls for regime change as unrealistic. He described the idea as “mission impossible” and pointed to public support for Iran’s government.
He concluded by saying Iran seeks de-escalation but demands that attacks stop first. Until then, he said, Iran will continue what it calls lawful self-defense.
NBC News has not independently verified all claims made during the interview.
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Source: NBC News interview with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
