Araqchi: Iran’s Missile Power Has Grown since June War

Addressing a meeting of the administrative council of Hamedan Province on Wednesday, Araqchi said the enemy was defeated in all its aims during the 12-day war.

The foreign minister recalled that, in the early days of the conflict in June, the president of the United States issued a brief message calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” but the Islamic Republic’s response was decisive.

While engaged in negotiations and diplomatic efforts, Iran did not tolerate aggression and responded with full strength on the battlefield, he said.

Araqchi stated that the enemy’s plan had been to surprise Iran and force it into submission through swift strikes, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

Under the wise and intelligent leadership of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei—who restructured the armed forces—and with the government’s active role in providing essential needs, Iran’s missile forces delivered a timely and powerful response, he added.

Araqchi noted that, during the conflict, the sky over the Zionist regime —despite its multilayered defense systems and Western assistance— was within range of Iranian missiles. He said Iran’s homegrown missiles, used in real warfare for the first time, became increasingly precise and effective as their weaknesses were identified and corrected each day.

He stated that the brave and honorable Iranian people stood firm and placed their trust in their government, confronting an enemy that had crossed every boundary of atrocity.

Araqchi said there was no crime the Zionist regime had not committed in Gaza, and that the only major international crime it had not previously committed—attacks on nuclear facilities—was carried out against Iran. He added that with the backing of the US, the Zionist regime had violated every principle of international law.

The foreign minister emphasized that Iran’s diplomacy worked hand in hand with military operations throughout the 12-day war to establish Iran’s legitimacy in the international arena. He said these efforts resulted in more than 120 countries condemning the attacks by the US and the Zionist regime and expressing solidarity with the Iranian nation.

Araqchi underlined that, as the Leader has stated, Iran’s path to survival, independence, and dignity lies in becoming stronger. He noted that international relations operate on the basis of power, as the strong nations advance their interests while weak ones see their rights violated.

Araqchi affirmed that Iran’s Armed Forces have worked tirelessly to enhance the country’s defense, missile, and military capabilities, confirming that these capabilities are now greater than before June 13, the start of the war.

The foreign minister noted that Iran’s domestically-produced weapons used in the conflict proved decisive, and that those who had demanded unconditional surrender in the early days of the war were, by the twelfth day, sending messages calling for an unconditional ceasefire.

Araqchi said this outcome demonstrates the strength of a nation capable of resisting through its own means. He added that the Islamic Republic is now more prepared than ever to defend itself, and that the enemy has realized it cannot achieve any of its goals against the Iranian people —an understanding that has helped ease tensions.

The minister concluded that, during the 12-day war, Iran followed the Leader’s strategy of discouraging enemies from war by showing that imposing conflict on the Iranian nation would never succeed.

Such results, he said, were achieved only through steadfast resistance. Araqchi also noted that the Iranian government proved its ability to ensure the people’s livelihood and meet the demands of a heavy conflict./tasnim