Iran: Strikes Were Self-Defense, Diplomacy Still Possible
Nearly a week after a surprise Israeli attack that left several Iranians dead and caused major damage, Iran says it is still choosing diplomacy—but won't hesitate to defend itself.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared the country's stance on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
'Iran solely acts in self-defence. Even in the face of the most outrageous aggression… we have only retaliated against the Israeli regime and not those who are aiding and abetting it.'
He emphasized that Iran continues to seek peaceful solutions, except when it comes to Israel, which he described as 'illegitimate' and 'genocidal.'
Trump Tells Putin to "Fix Russia First"
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump had strong words for Russian President Vladimir Putin after he offered to mediate in the Israel-Iran conflict.
Speaking in an interview, Trump recounted their conversation:
'I said, 'Do me a favour—mediate your own. Let's mediate Russia first, okay? Worry about this [Israel-Iran] later.''
His statement refers to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has caused global tension since Russia's invasion in 2022.
What's Next?
With both Iran and Israel continuing their back-and-forth attacks and global powers weighing in, the situation remains volatile. While Iran insists it won't escalate unless provoked, the region's stability hangs in the balance—especially with growing international involvement.
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