Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi Declares Armed Forces Fully Prepared for Defense

Iran Affirms Full Defense Readiness Amidst Regional Tensions

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, has declared that the country's armed forces are fully prepared to defend the nation, prioritizing diplomatic solutions but not overlooking potential threats. His remarks come amidst heightened regional tensions and follow a recent 12-day conflict involving Israel and the United States.

Diplomacy and Deterrence: Iran's Dual Approach

In an interview with Al Jazeera on December 14, 2025, Foreign Minister Araghchi underscored Iran's commitment to self-defense. 'We are fully prepared. Our armed forces and our people are ready to defend the country under any conditions,' he stated. While asserting this readiness, Araghchi reiterated Iran's preference for peaceful resolutions, saying, 'We do not want war. We want to resolve issues through diplomacy.' He further elaborated on this philosophy in an earlier interview with The Economist on November 21, 2025, noting, 'The best way to prevent a war is to be prepared for it. And we are fully prepared.'

Araghchi also addressed what he described as 'psychological warfare' regarding reports of potential renewed attacks, particularly from the Israeli regime. He emphasized that while such reports are part of a broader conflict, Iran does not underestimate the possibility of actual hostilities.

Strategic Capabilities and Military Doctrine

Iran's defense strategy is rooted in deterrence and asymmetric warfare, leveraging its missile capabilities and relationships with regional non-state actors. The nation has significantly enhanced its defensive capacities, particularly its missile capabilities, in both quantity and quality, following lessons learned from recent conflicts.

Key aspects of Iran's military approach include:

• Ballistic Missiles: A primary component of its strategic deterrent, with the largest and most diverse missile force in the Middle East.
• Asymmetric Warfare: Focus on cost-effective tactics and leveraging geographic advantages.
• Naval Forces: Capable of threatening navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
• Cyber and Intelligence: Efforts to enhance intelligence capabilities through cybertechnologies and drones.

Araghchi highlighted that military strikes might destroy infrastructure but cannot eliminate technology, knowledge, or the will of a nation.

Regional Dynamics and International Relations

The Foreign Minister also touched upon Iran's long-standing mistrust of the United States, stating, 'We have never trusted the United States as an honest negotiator.' He cited a history of the U.S. violating commitments and acting insincerely, particularly in the context of nuclear negotiations.

The recent 12-day war, which Iran described as an unprovoked aggression by the Israeli regime and involved U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, has further shaped Tehran's stance. Despite these tensions, Araghchi maintained that distrust of the U.S. should not preclude the pursuit of diplomacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has clearly articulated the nation's position: a strong, prepared defense force ready to protect its sovereignty, coupled with a consistent preference for diplomatic solutions to regional and international disputes. This stance is presented as a necessary measure in a complex geopolitical landscape, ensuring national security while keeping channels for negotiation open.