AhlulBayt News Agency: Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with Fox News: “Why should we negotiate on our ballistic missiles when we need them for our security and defense?”
He emphasized: “Ballistic missiles are our means of defense and the most reliable tool for our national security. They are not negotiable.”
In response to a question about the number of casualties in recent unrest in Iran, Araghchi said: “During the three days of military operations against terrorist elements, unfortunately, hundreds were killed. 80% of these individuals were actually our own—either security forces, police officers, or ordinary citizens targeted by terrorists.”
Araghchi explained the situation that unfolded over the past two weeks: “You know, we had peaceful protests that began on December 28. For about 10 days, everything was calm. The protests were peaceful, and the government decided to engage with them. The President met with their leaders, and although the atmosphere became somewhat tense at times, it remained manageable. Everything was normal—like a routine democratic exercise seen in any other country.”
“But on January 8–10, we faced a completely different situation,” he said. “Terrorist elements, directed from abroad, infiltrated the protests and began shooting—firing at police officers, security forces, and civilians. There were terrorist cells; they entered, carried out acts of terrorism in the style of Daesh, kidnapped police officers, burned them alive, beheaded them, and opened fire on police and civilians. As a result, we were, in fact, at war with terrorists for three days—not with protesters.”
He added: “This was a completely different incident. During those three days, hundreds were killed. 80% of the victims were our own—security forces, police officers, or civilians targeted by terrorists. That is why we have identified 80% of the dead as martyrs and victims of terrorism, and we are holding ourselves responsible. We will definitely pursue this case both domestically and internationally, and those who supported these terrorist elements must be held accountable.”
Araghchi addressed reports and images of the casualties, saying: “There is a disinformation campaign underway. I can refer you to statements and interviews by Israeli and American officials who themselves admitted that Mossad agents were present in Iran’s streets. This is a proven fact—Mossad has openly stated it. Just check the X (formerly Twitter) account of Mossad in Persian, where they posted daily that their agents were in Iran and carrying out their work.”
He explained why the terrorists targeted civilians: “The reason they started shooting at people was to increase the death toll. Why? Because President Trump said that if bloodshed occurred, he would intervene. They wanted to draw the U.S. president into this conflict. This was clearly an Israeli plot. They wanted to bring the U.S. president into the conflict, so they began increasing casualties by killing civilians, police, and sparking warfare in various cities. That is the story.”
He confirmed the death toll at “hundreds” and said an exact figure would soon be released by Iranian authorities.
Araghchi stressed: “I reject the numbers being cited. This is exaggeration. It’s a false information campaign, just to find excuses for another attack on Iran. These are not the facts on the ground. Please don’t be misled—neither you nor others in the U.S. The actual facts on the ground are different.”
He concluded: “For four days now, everything has been calm. There are no protests, no unrest, nothing has happened in Iran for the past four days. Yes, millions attended funeral processions and a large rally two days ago in support of the government and the Islamic Republic. So people are in the streets—but supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
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