Iran’s FM brings strong message to BRICS in New Delhi: "We are not aggressors" PHOTO

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi to take part in a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, where he was received by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, according to the minister's Telegram channel.

Speaking at the BRICS session, Araghchi said that over the past year Iran had been subjected twice to what he described as “brutal and illegal aggression” by the United States and Israel. He stated that the attacks on Iran were justified by “false claims” that contradicted assessments by the International Atomic Energy Agency and even those of US intelligence services.

“The truth is this: Iran, like many independent countries, has become a victim of illegal expansionism and the incitement of wars. These are ugly phenomena that have no place in the modern world.

Those who seek reckless adventures may believe that these actions serve their geopolitical interests, but as people and states around the world have now understood, regional instability is a loss for all sides, including the aggressors themselves. In the face of this horrific brutality, the Iranian people have proudly and steadfastly defended themselves. Did we retreat from our independence? Did we submit to the will and whims of hegemonic powers? The answer is clear: we have never done so and we never will,” Araghchi stressed.

He added that Iranians armed forces, medical personnel, and civil servants act to protect the population without prioritising personal safety over duty.

The minister emphasised that Iran is ready for diplomacy and does not seek war, but its armed forces are prepared to deliver a “devastating strike” if necessary. “Iran is invincible, and under pressure, it becomes stronger and more united. We are ready to defend freedom and our land, but we are also ready for diplomacy. As I have repeatedly emphasised, there is no military solution to any issue concerning Iran. We will never bow to pressure or threats. While our armed forces are ready to deliver a devastating strike against aggressors, our people are peace-loving and do not want war. We are not aggressors, we are victims,” he stated.

Araghchi also highlighted the role of BRICS in shaping a new global order in which Global South countries play a central role. He said Iran’s support within BRICS is important for countering Western hegemony and demonstrating the need to uphold international law.

“I call on the BRICS countries and all responsible members of the international community: to condemn violations of international law by the United States and Israel, including the illegal aggression against Iran; to prevent the politicisation of international institutions; and to take action to end the war and punish violators of the UN Charter,” he said.

In an interview with Press TV, Araghchi added that the Strait of Hormuz is currently affected by what he called “US aggression and an imposed blockade.” He stated that the strait remains open to all commercial vessels: “From our perspective, the Strait of Hormuz is open to all commercial ships, but they must cooperate with our naval forces. We do not create obstacles; it is the United States that has imposed a blockade, and we hope the situation will change with the lifting of this illegal blockade.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada