Tehran chose diplomacy and dialogue but was attacked in midst of negotiations: Iranian FM
Bishkek, July 24
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the world's silence, or a hesitant stance, on attacks being committed against Tehran would encourage the "aggressors" to repeat their crimes.
In a speech delivered at the meeting of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in the resort town of Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyzstan, Araghchi taunted the international community for its silence on the US-Israeli aggression.
"He cautioned that no country could be sure of not being the next victim of attacks on educational, medical, critical infrastructure, economic facilities, and even peaceful nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency," Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.
The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that the aggressions took place while Tehran had chosen diplomacy and dialogue but was attacked in the midst of negotiations.
According to Araghchi, these actions undermine trust in diplomacy and question the credibility of peaceful mechanisms.
According to the Iranian Embassy in India, Aragachi also warned that any participation, cooperation, or assistance in acts of aggression against Iran would entail international responsibility for the parties concerned.
"Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragachi, addressing the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, warned that any participation, cooperation, or assistance in acts of aggression against Iran would entail international responsibility for the parties concerned. He stressed that Iran will regard the source of any act of aggression as a legitimate target for the defensive measures of its armed forces," the Embassy wrote on X.
Aragachi also noted that Iran shares common positions with SCO member states, noting that many countries have condemned unilateral actions, violations of international law and the unlawful use of force.
"He added that recent US actions and regional developments are among the key issues under discussion, and that Iran has become a major focus of international attention and dialogue," the Government of Iran stated on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Classic case of might making right. The US and Israel bomb someone while they're talking peace, then blame the victim for retaliating. The world's silence is deafening. And Iran's warning about targeting any country that assists such attacks is only fair - you can't claim neutrality while helping the aggressor.
Look, I get Iran's frustration, but isn't this selective outrage? Tehran has its own record of backing militias and destabilising the region. Yes, diplomacy should be respected, but Iran's nuclear program isn't exactly transparent either. The SCO is the right forum to discuss this, but let's not pretend Iran is an innocent lamb. 🤔
Powerful speech from Araghchi. The point about attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA supervision is particularly alarming. If the international community allows this, what's to stop any country from bombing another's peaceful infrastructure? India should take note - our neighbours could use similar excuses. 😟
It's refreshing to hear an Iranian leader speak so clearly. The silence of Western democracies speaks volumes. They preach rule-based order but selectively apply it. India should strengthen ties with Iran through SCO and Chabahar - this is our neighbourhood, and we need stable partners, not US-backed chaos. 💯
I have mixed feelings. Yes, attacking while negotiating is wrong. But Iran also needs to address legitimate concerns about its nuclear activities. The timing of this speech - at the SCO - is strategic though. Russia, China, India, Pakistan all in the room. Good move by Tehran to build non-Western solidarity. 🇮🇷
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.