Iranian FM highlights documentation of Israeli crimes during 12-day clash

On July 26, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi outlined the extensive diplomatic and military efforts undertaken during and after the recent 12-day conflict with Israel. 

In a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Araghchi noted that Tehran is documenting the crimes carried out by the Israeli regime during its aggression against Iran's soil, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

The session was attended by President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior officials from the foreign ministry.

Araghchi emphasised the close coordination between Iran’s armed forces and diplomatic corps throughout the confrontation. “Our armed forces heroically defended the country against enemies, while the diplomats worked tirelessly,” he said, highlighting the unity of battlefield actions and diplomatic efforts.

The Foreign Minister underscored that Iranian diplomats actively defended the Iranian people’s right to self-defence in the face of what he described as clear aggression. According to Araghchi, it was not only the military resistance but also the “unique governance demonstrated by the Iranian administration” that compelled the enemy to retreat and agree to a ceasefire.

Through sustained diplomatic outreach, including phone calls and efforts by Iranian embassies worldwide, over 120 countries publicly condemned the attacks on Iran and expressed their support, Araghchi stated.

He added that apart from predictable responses from the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), nearly all international organisations—such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League, and the African Union—alongside many world leaders, recognised Iran’s legitimacy.

“This occurred even as Iran was engaged in diplomatic talks, proving who truly seeks peace and who resorts to force and coercion,” Araghchi remarked.

The Foreign Ministry continues its efforts, particularly in international forums. Araghchi revealed ongoing collaboration with the Legal Department of the Presidential Office to document alleged crimes committed by Israel within Iran.

He also highlighted a series of diplomatic calls aimed at halting Israeli actions in Gaza, including tactics such as starvation and medical blockades used as leverage in ceasefire negotiations. “These inhumane tactics have failed in the face of Gaza’s resistance,” he stated.

The timeline of the conflict was marked by a series of escalations. While Iran and the United States were engaged in indirect talks mediated by Oman, led by Araghchi and then-US envoy Steve Witkoff, Israel launched a wave of unprovoked attacks starting June 13, targeting Iran’s military, nuclear, and civilian sites.

Shortly after, on June 22, the US conducted military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

Iranian forces responded forcefully. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force launched 22 waves of retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli targets as part of “Operation True Promise III,” reportedly causing significant damage across occupied territories.

In addition, Iranian forces fired missiles at al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US military base in West Asia, in retaliation for the US strikes.

A ceasefire agreement, which took effect on June 24, has since halted active hostilities.

By Aghakazim Guliyev