Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, issued a fresh warning to the United States and its allies, stating clearly that Tehran will respond forcefully to any attack on its territory or critical infrastructure. Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi emphasized Iran’s defensive doctrine: “An eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran—including against our infrastructure—will compel a powerful and decisive response.”
Targets Extend Beyond Direct Aggressors
Araghchi further warned that any country or entity supporting or enabling such an attack—regardless of the nature of assistance—would be considered a legitimate target. “Those who contribute to such aggression, whatever the kind of support they provide, will also be considered as legitimate targets,” he wrote in a post dated July 22, 2026.
Trump Reaffirms U.S. Stance on Iranian Nukes
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking in Georgia on the same day, reiterated Washington’s long-standing position: “We will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.” He added, “We don’t need the Strait of Hormuz—we don’t need anything. We do it because we must.” Trump also claimed that Iran is not yet ready to strike a deal but suggested negotiations could resume soon: “They’re not ready to close a deal—but they’ll be ready very soon.”
Iranian Diplomats Reinforce Message to Europe
In parallel, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi outlined Iran’s position during a meeting in Tehran with 25 European ambassadors and envoys. Citing Iran’s performance during the 40-day war—a reference widely understood to allude to the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War—he said Tehran inflicted a “heavy defeat on the aggressors.”
Gharibabadi stressed that Iran remains fully committed to defending its homeland and national interests “decisively” in this new phase of military tensions. He argued that recent conflicts have yielded no strategic benefit for the United States—and instead threaten regional and global peace and security. He urged Europe to uphold the UN Charter and international law, and to condemn all violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity.