Iran Offers Ceasefire If Israel Halts Strikes
Iran’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, issued a direct message on Sunday, stating that Iran is prepared to end its retaliatory strikes against Israel—if Israeli aggression stops. In a televised address to foreign diplomats in Tehran, he made it clear: “If the aggression stops, our responses will also stop.”
Iran FM warns against escalation
Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s current military actions are defensive in nature. “Iran’s military response against Israel has been based on self-defense. If the aggression stops, our responses will also stop. Iran does not want its conflict with Israel to expand to neighboring countries unless the situation is forced,” he said.
His statement follows a week of intense cross-border attacks. Israel’s Operation Rising Lion targeted critical Iranian sites, including nuclear and military infrastructure. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and drones, hitting Israeli cities and infrastructure.
Harsh words for U.S. and UN
In his speech, Araghchi accused the United States of hypocrisy for failing to condemn the Israeli strikes. He also expressed disappointment with the United Nations Security Council, calling out its “indifference” to what Iran considers clear violations of its sovereignty. “Western governments have condemned Iran instead of Israel despite it being the side that was violated,” he added.
Iran also suspended nuclear negotiations with the United States, which had been underway in Oman, citing the ongoing Israeli offensives as a reason for the breakdown in talks.
Rising regional tensions
The conflict has already resulted in over 200 deaths and more than 1,200 injuries in Iran alone. Israel has reported damage to civilian and military areas from Iranian retaliatory strikes. Both sides have issued increasingly dire warnings, with Iranian military officials threatening a “devastating response” if hostilities continue.
Efforts by Qatar, Oman, and other regional players to mediate have so far yielded little. Iran insists that any further diplomacy depends on Israel halting its operations.
Global calls for restraint
International leaders have expressed deep concern over the possibility of a wider war in the Middle East. The G7, European Union, Russia, Turkey, and several Arab nations have called for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation. The United States, while backing Israel’s right to self-defense, has reportedly warned against any actions that could spiral the situation further.
