“If Israel violates the ceasefire, Tehran is fully prepared for self-defense and retaliation” — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

“If Israel violates the ceasefire, Tehran is fully prepared for self-defense and retaliation” — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

[Tehran, July 20, 2025] — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a stern warning, stating that if Israel breaches the fragile ceasefire that followed last month’s 12-day military aggression against Iran, Tehran is fully alert and prepared to respond with complete self-defense and retaliation.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Tianjin, China — where Araghchi was attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers’ summit — he emphasized that Iran takes the threat seriously.

Araghchi stated, “The 12-day war launched by the Israeli regime was not a limited clash. It was an unprovoked, premeditated military aggression. We had no other choice. We exercised our right to self-defense and repelled the attack. Ultimately, it was Israel who appealed for an unconditional ceasefire.”

He added, “This ceasefire is extremely fragile, and the main reason for that fragility is Israel’s track record — they have violated ceasefires many times before.”

Cautioning further, Araghchi said, “We do not seek war. But if the ceasefire is broken, we will not hesitate to respond. Our defense forces are fully prepared. It is not our priority, but we will never back down when it comes to defending ourselves.”