Iranian Foreign Minister Excludes a Near Israeli Attack and Emphasizes the Importance of Military Preparedness

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that he does not expect Israel to launch an attack on Iran in the near future, considering that the Israeli escalation aims to "influence Iranian public opinion".

Araqchi added in television statements on Thursday evening: "As an expert in international relations, I do not believe that war will break out soon," pointing out that Israel seeks to "exaggerate" and create a perception of the possibility of war.

However, the Iranian minister stressed the necessity for the armed forces to remain in a state of constant readiness, saying: "The armed forces must always be on alert, and the government must be prepared for any emergency, as preparedness is the most effective factor in preventing war."

Relations between Iran and Israel are witnessing escalating tensions, especially after the Israeli attack on June 13, which targeted military, nuclear, and civilian sites in Iran and lasted for 12 days. Iran responded by bombing Israeli military and intelligence bases using ballistic missiles and drones.

In another development, the United States entered the confrontation on June 22, attacking Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming it "foiled the Iranian nuclear program." Tehran responded by bombing the U.S. base "Al-Udeid" in Qatar, before Washington announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 24.

Israel and the United States accuse Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, while Tehran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, such as electricity generation. The Iranian and American sides had engaged in five rounds of indirect negotiations regarding the nuclear file before the recent Israeli attack.