Iran's Foreign Minister Warns of 'No Restraint' Retaliation, Criticizes Europe on Greenland and Nuclear Deal

Iran Issues Retaliation Warning Amid Heightened Tensions

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has declared that the Islamic Republic is prepared for mass retaliation to any military attack, asserting that its armed forces would show 'no qualms' in responding with full force. This warning comes amidst a period of elevated tensions between Tehran and Western powers, particularly following a reported 12-day war with Israel and the United States in June 2025.

Araghchi's statement, made in an editorial in the Wall Street Journal, indicated a shift from previous restraint, emphasizing Iran's readiness to defend itself if subjected to renewed aggression.

Europe Criticized Over Greenland Stance and Nuclear Deal

In addition to the retaliation warning, Foreign Minister Araghchi openly mocked Europe regarding its position on former US President Donald Trump's past interest in acquiring Greenland.

Araghchi specifically criticized the E3/EU (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, along with the European Union) for what he described as their faithful obedience and even abetment of President Trump when he unilaterally abrogated the Iran Nuclear Deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

He further commented on Trump's threat to take over Greenland, stating that such an action, 'unlawful as it is under any conception of international law or even a 'rules-based order,' could not happen to a more deserving continent.'

The Lingering Shadow of the Nuclear Deal

The context of Araghchi's remarks is deeply rooted in the history of the JCPOA. The United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in May 2018, subsequently reimposing sanctions on Tehran.

Following the US withdrawal, Iran began to gradually breach the limits set by the nuclear deal starting in May 2019, citing the failure of the remaining signatories, particularly European nations, to uphold their commitments and provide economic relief from US sanctions.

The JCPOA, which aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, was officially terminated by Iran on October 18, 2025, in the aftermath of the June 2025 conflict.