Iran’s Foreign Minister Rules Out Policy Shift Despite War Threats

Key Takeaways

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran’s policies will remain unchanged despite potential war threats.
US President Donald Trump warned of possible renewed attacks on Iran, citing past military actions.
Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz remains firm, despite ongoing military tensions.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that his country’s policies will not change in the face of potential renewed hostilities with the United States and Israel. Speaking during a televised event in Tehran, Araghchi dismissed the possibility of a policy shift, despite mounting threats of renewed attacks from Washington.

In a statement, Araghchi said, 'Whether there is war or not, our policies remain the same. They have already done so twice and have seen the results. If they want to try again, they know they will achieve no different outcome from those of the past.'

The remarks come amid heightened tensions, with US President Donald Trump warning on Friday that 'Washington may do another little Epic Fury,' referring to the US-Israeli war on Iran that began on February 28. This follows a series of military flare-ups in the region, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Araghchi emphasized that Iran has claimed control over the strait since the outbreak of the war and has regularly targeted vessels that attempt crossing without its authorization. The US has maintained a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports in response.

In June, Iran and the United States agreed to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which aimed to pave the way for a permanent settlement of the conflict. However, the deal later unraveled as each side accused the other of violating it. Tehran has since called for a return to the accord to end the conflict.

Araghchi stated, 'The current war has changed everything. We must accept that new realities are taking hold. Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz will no longer be the same, and the management of the strait will no longer be the same.'

He further added, 'To achieve peace and stability, our region must move towards the complete absence of foreign forces.'

The ongoing military tensions have seen sporadic exchanges of fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, lulling in recent weeks. However, Iran has maintained its stance on the control of the strait, despite the intermittent calm.

While the US maintains a naval counter-blockade, Iran has continued to assert its authority over the strategic waterway, a move strongly opposed by Washington and countries in the region.