Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi issued a new statement asserting the following points:
1. Iran is acting solely in self-defense, focusing its response exclusively on Israel, despite outside backing for Israeli operations.
2. Tehran maintains it has never sought nuclear weapons, even amid current threats.
3. Iran pledges to continue defending itself and promises that Israel will “pay” for its actions.
4. The country reaffirms its commitment to diplomatic engagement with all nations—except Israel, which it denounces as illegitimate and genocidal.