Iranian Foreign Minister: Several countries undertaking mediation efforts to end the war

Tehran (ANTARA) - Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that several countries are undertaking mediation efforts to end the war waged by the United States (US) and Israel against Iran.

This was reported by Japan’s Kyodo News on Saturday (21/3), based on an interview conducted the previous day.

Araghchi also expressed Iran’s openness to any initiatives aimed at achieving that goal, while stating that Iran does not desire a ceasefire.

Iran, he emphasised, wants a full, comprehensive, and permanent end to the war. Araghchi reminded that the war had been imposed on Iran.

He said the attacks on Iran began while Tehran was engaged in nuclear negotiations with the US.

Iran’s response to the US-Israel attacks, Araghchi added, is a form of self-defence and will continue as long as necessary.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi stated that Iran will not close that waterway. However, they will impose restrictions on vessels owned by countries involved in the anti-Iran attacks.

He emphasised that Iran is ready to guarantee safe navigation for vessels from other countries through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Tehran.

On 28 February, Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Tehran and several other cities in Iran, killing Iran’s then-supreme leader Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians.

Iran subsequently responded by launching waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel as well as several US bases and assets in the Middle East.