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FM Araghchi: Resistance of Iranians has enraged the enemy

Iran Press TV

Friday, 15 August 2025 10:24 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the steadfast resistance of the Iranian people in the face of war and sanctions has angered the country's enemies, particularly the Israeli regime.

Speaking to the national television late on Thursday, the minister denounced Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's effort to undermine the unity inside Iran by tapping into energy imbalances, noting that Iran's adversaries have underestimated the resolve of its people.

"There is a famous saying that God created our enemies foolish," he said. "Resorting to outdated, repetitive tactics simply does not work... They thought they could drive our people off the field during the war, but instead our people stood firmly behind their country and their establishment," he noted, referring to the 12-day US-Israeli aggression against Iran in June.

Araghchi did not dismiss that Iran faces imbalances in its energy sector, attributing much of that to sanctions. "They have imposed sanctions and tied our hands and feet," he said. "But our resistance against these sanctions has made them extremely angry—just as we resisted in the war."

He dismissed Netanyahu's recent claims about Iran's water supply as "more likely to make people laugh."

Netanyahu had claimed he could turn sewage into drinking water for Iranians - something officials in Tehran have dismissed hypocritical and misleading, pointing to the situation in the besieged Gaza Strip, where displaced Palestinians face extreme difficulty in accessing potable water.

Araghchi's comments came weeks after the Israeli regime launched a full-scale aggression on Iranian territory on June 13, striking multiple military and nuclear sites, and assassinating senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The United States also participated by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities in the central region of the country.

In response, Iran's Armed Forces carried out precise missile strikes on the regime's military and industrial infrastructure, and also targeted a strategic US airbase in Qatar. Twelve days after the war began, the occupying regime was forced to announce a unilateral ceasefire based on a US proposal.

Resistance inspired by Ashura

The foreign minister was speaking from Karbala and during the annual Arba'een procession, a massive religious gathering marking the 40th day after Ashura, when millions of pilgrims from across the world—including from Iran—travel on foot to Karbala, Iraq, to honor Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam.

The event is considered one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world and a display of Shia unity and defiance against oppression.

Araghchi said Iranian participation this year was as strong as, if not stronger than, in previous years. "The same love and enthusiasm exist, and even more motivation," he said.

"Along the way, I repeatedly met Iranians who kindly expressed their support, telling me: 'Stand firm,' 'Be strong,' 'We are behind you and the Leader,' and 'never abandon the Leader.' This shows that people's motivation has not only remained but grown," he said.

He noted that Iraqis, too, were eager to express solidarity with Iranians who have resisted in the face of the US-Israeli aggression.

"Many told me that our resistance and the missiles Iran fired filled their hearts with joy and pride," he said, adding, "This enthusiasm is visible among the people; it feels like a stronger bond has been formed."

Araghchi described Arbaeen as "a display of Shia strength," noting that Iranians were inspired by Ashura in confronting the Israeli aggression. "Our enemies truly cannot understand this."

"You have to understand Imam Hussein (AS) to understand that Shia advances through blood and sacrifice. The martyrdom of a commander or an individual does not halt the movement. Yes, every loss is a blow, but it is these very sacrifices that drive the movement forward with greater motivation and fervor. This is not a slogan—it is the reality of the Shia school and the school of resistance."

War hype used as 'psychological warfare'

Asked whether he had been questioned about the likelihood of another war, Araghchi said that during the two days of Arbaeen ceremonies, "no one asked me this question," though it comes up frequently before the trip.

"The possibility of war always exists for any country," he said. "But our enemies try to keep us in a constant state of fear so they can impose the psychological effects of war without fighting. We must be alert to such tactics. "

"This is part of psychological warfare, and we must counter it," he added.

Reflecting on the lead-up to the 12-day war, Araghchi said he had felt war could be imminent based on regional and international conditions.

"Today, I do not have that feeling," he said. "From what I observe in the region, internationally, domestically, and in terms of our Armed Forces' readiness, I do not think war is close. Of course, I could be wrong... But with nearly 40 years of experience in international affairs, I do not believe war is imminent."

He cautioned, however, that readiness remains essential. "The Armed Forces must always be prepared, and the government must be fully ready for any eventuality. Preparedness is the best deterrent to war," he said.