AhlulBayt News Agency: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the alleged Israeli attack on Iranian soil was a new aggression that would certainly be answered at the appropriate time.
In response to a question about the timing of the Operation True Promise 3, Abbas Araghchi told commanders and staff at the IRGC Command Headquarters, "This is something you should answer."
He added: "The the Operation True Promise 2, like the Operation True Promise 1, was a defensive measure, meaning it was a response to an attack. However, we have informed the international community that the aggressive assault by the Zionist regime on Iranian soil is a new invasion, and we will certainly respond at the appropriate time. We will not forfeit our right to retaliate."
Araghchi said: "As you know, decisions regarding this matter are made elsewhere. However, I can say that over the past 12 months, we have acted with particular intelligence and prudence. Our decisions have not been impulsive or emotional, and we have responded at the appropriate time, taking into account all conditions, probabilities, and enemy conspiracies."
Intelligent Response Averts War Escalation
Araghchi said: "We have responded with exceptional intelligence and precise management, successfully averting the escalation of war that Israel seems to seek. Their aim appears to be drawing the United States into the conflict. However, we have skillfully blended our response with diplomacy."
He noted: "We must respond decisively and manage the enemy's calculations, ensuring they don't infer that attacking the Islamic Republic will go unanswered. If we allow the enemy to believe that there will be no retaliation if they strike us, we are essentially inviting further aggression, which is unequivocally not the case."
The Foreign Minister said: "We reserve the right to respond, and it will undoubtedly be carried out at the appropriate time with the wisdom and prudence that we all recognize at the highest levels of our system."
Araghchi stresed that true preparedness for war is what ultimately prevents it. He stated: "If we show the slightest fear of war when there is a threat, it means we have accepted war."
Focus Shifts to Political Deterrence
Araghchi noted: "After the Operation True Promise 2, where the armed forces established military deterrence, it was the Foreign Ministry's duty to create political deterrence. Political deterrence means that countries in the region and beyond align with us against enemy aggression, effectively creating a defensive shield."
He noted: "They said the Foreign Minister has made numerous trips. Yes, it was our duty. Anyone in my position as Foreign Minister would have done the same. This is an inherent duty of a Foreign Minister. I should also mention the martyred Minister Dr. Amir-Abdollahian, who had the same approach after the Operation True Promise 1. These actions are part of deterrent diplomacy."
Araghchi stated: "After the Operation True Promise 2, the situation became much more serious and critical, requiring greater effort. Therefore, following the Operation True Promise 2, we embarked on a comprehensive and complex regional effort to establish political deterrence."
Diplomacy Ineffective Without Power
Araghchi said: "The field and diplomacy are unified and inseparable; they work together. In my opinion, diplomacy is driven by power. Without power, diplomacy is ineffective. A diplomat's words, if not backed by power, will have no impact."
He noted: "Theorists of the science of power also say that diplomacy without power is ineffective. Likewise, power without diplomacy does not know where to go; therefore, diplomacy defines the path."
The Foreign Minister emphasized: "Just as diplomacy relies on power, power also finds its path through diplomacy. These two elements are interdependent."
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In response to a question about the timing of the Operation True Promise 3, Abbas Araghchi told commanders and staff at the IRGC Command Headquarters, "This is something you should answer."
He added: "The the Operation True Promise 2, like the Operation True Promise 1, was a defensive measure, meaning it was a response to an attack. However, we have informed the international community that the aggressive assault by the Zionist regime on Iranian soil is a new invasion, and we will certainly respond at the appropriate time. We will not forfeit our right to retaliate."
Araghchi said: "As you know, decisions regarding this matter are made elsewhere. However, I can say that over the past 12 months, we have acted with particular intelligence and prudence. Our decisions have not been impulsive or emotional, and we have responded at the appropriate time, taking into account all conditions, probabilities, and enemy conspiracies."
Intelligent Response Averts War Escalation
Araghchi said: "We have responded with exceptional intelligence and precise management, successfully averting the escalation of war that Israel seems to seek. Their aim appears to be drawing the United States into the conflict. However, we have skillfully blended our response with diplomacy."
He noted: "We must respond decisively and manage the enemy's calculations, ensuring they don't infer that attacking the Islamic Republic will go unanswered. If we allow the enemy to believe that there will be no retaliation if they strike us, we are essentially inviting further aggression, which is unequivocally not the case."
The Foreign Minister said: "We reserve the right to respond, and it will undoubtedly be carried out at the appropriate time with the wisdom and prudence that we all recognize at the highest levels of our system."
Araghchi stresed that true preparedness for war is what ultimately prevents it. He stated: "If we show the slightest fear of war when there is a threat, it means we have accepted war."
Focus Shifts to Political Deterrence
Araghchi noted: "After the Operation True Promise 2, where the armed forces established military deterrence, it was the Foreign Ministry's duty to create political deterrence. Political deterrence means that countries in the region and beyond align with us against enemy aggression, effectively creating a defensive shield."
He noted: "They said the Foreign Minister has made numerous trips. Yes, it was our duty. Anyone in my position as Foreign Minister would have done the same. This is an inherent duty of a Foreign Minister. I should also mention the martyred Minister Dr. Amir-Abdollahian, who had the same approach after the Operation True Promise 1. These actions are part of deterrent diplomacy."
Araghchi stated: "After the Operation True Promise 2, the situation became much more serious and critical, requiring greater effort. Therefore, following the Operation True Promise 2, we embarked on a comprehensive and complex regional effort to establish political deterrence."
Diplomacy Ineffective Without Power
Araghchi said: "The field and diplomacy are unified and inseparable; they work together. In my opinion, diplomacy is driven by power. Without power, diplomacy is ineffective. A diplomat's words, if not backed by power, will have no impact."
He noted: "Theorists of the science of power also say that diplomacy without power is ineffective. Likewise, power without diplomacy does not know where to go; therefore, diplomacy defines the path."
The Foreign Minister emphasized: "Just as diplomacy relies on power, power also finds its path through diplomacy. These two elements are interdependent."
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