Foreign Minister: Loss of Senior Commanders Does Not Change Iran's Military Strength

Moscow (ANTARA) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday (1 March) that Iran has lost several military commanders in joint attacks by the United States and Israel, but the country’s military capabilities remain unchanged.

“We have indeed lost some commanders, that is a fact, and their names have already been announced. However, the other fact is that nothing has changed in our military capabilities,” Araghchi told ABC News.

When asked about the possibility of resolving the conflict with the United States through negotiations, Araghchi said Tehran had bitter experience in negotiating with Washington. He added that the actions taken by the United States constitute a form of aggression.

“(Meanwhile) what we are doing is a matter of self-defence. There is a big difference between the two,” he said.

On Saturday (28 February), the United States and Israel launched a series of joint attacks against targets in Iranian territory, including in Tehran, with reports of damage and civilian casualties.

Iran’s state television also confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran responded to the joint attack by firing missiles at Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East as a defensive measure.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti-OANA