Iraqchi Resolves Controversy Over Missiles and War with America and Israel
In provocative statements yesterday, Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Iraqchi confirmed that Tehran is not ready to discuss ending the war with the United States and Israel at this time, noting that both sides have already violated the ceasefire that was reached to end the twelve-day war last year.
Iraqchi told NBC: "And now you want to demand a ceasefire again? Things don't work that way," adding that Tehran insists on a "permanent end to the war" and that "continuing the fight is necessary to protect our people and our security until we achieve that."
Regarding Iran's attacks on Gulf countries, the minister denied that Tehran "intentionally attacks its neighbors," explaining: "We target American bases, facilities, and interests, which unfortunately are located on the territory of our neighbors."
Iraqchi also warned against any direct American military intervention inside Iran:
"We have strong soldiers ready to confront any forces that enter our lands, to fight them and completely destroy them."
Concerning recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about Iran possessing missiles capable of reaching the United States, Iraqchi denied this claim and described it as "misleading information," explaining that Iran has deliberately limited the range of its missiles to less than 2000 kilometers to avoid being considered a threat to any other country.
On Trump's interference in choosing a successor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iraqchi emphasized that Iran "will not allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs," in a clear reference to the U.S. president's statements that he wants to personally participate in this choice.
This comes as Iran recently announced that it has chosen a successor to Khamenei, who has held his position since 1989, although the name of the chosen person has not yet been announced.
In contrast, the Israeli army threatened to continue pursuing any successor to Khamenei, asserting that "its forces will pursue anyone seeking to appoint a successor to the Iranian leader."
