After the 12-day Iran-Israel war, Tehran claims it has strengthened its military, political, and diplomatic power — warning Israel that its air defenses can be breached again if conflict returns
Iran Declares It Is “More Prepared Than Ever”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has delivered a stark warning to Israel, asserting that Tehran has analyzed every weakness — both its own and its enemy’s — following the intense 12-day war in June.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi claimed that the world saw “only a fraction of Iran’s power” during the brief but brutal conflict. “Despite Israel’s surprise attacks on the first day, we were able to respond immediately,” he said. “By the 12th day, it was they who proposed an unconditional ceasefire.”
He added that the war revealed Iran’s resilience and unity, surprising global observers. “The steadfast support of our people and our political cohesion were key. We learned valuable lessons — political, military, and economic — and if another war happens, we’ll be even more prepared.”
“Israel’s Air Defenses Can Be Penetrated”
Araghchi went further, claiming that Iran had successfully breached Israel’s air defense systems during the conflict — a statement meant to project strength and deterrence.
“A failed experience leads only to another failure,” he warned. “Israel did not achieve any of its objectives in the 12-day war, and if it tries again, it will face the same outcome. We have identified our weaknesses and those of our enemies — and we can now act with greater strength.”
Iranian state media, IRNA, reported that Tehran made a conscious effort to prevent the war from expanding, despite alleged Israeli attacks on Iran’s oil and petrochemical sites in the Persian Gulf. Araghchi claimed that Israel sought to drag the entire region into chaos, while Iran worked to contain the conflict.
Iran Accuses Israel of Regional Instability
Iran continues to portray Israel as the main source of instability in the Middle East. Araghchi said a “major shift” has taken place, with regional countries beginning to see “who the real enemy is.”
“Propaganda that once painted Iran as a threat has lost credibility,” he asserted, pointing to what he called a new regional awakening in support of Iran’s stance.
Despite the fiery tone, Araghchi also insisted that Iran does not seek war. “We are not interested in escalation,” he said. “But we are facing a warmongering regime that is ready to ignite conflict across the region.”
Nuclear Talks: Diplomacy Amid Defiance
In contrast to his military remarks, Araghchi emphasized that Iran remains ready to negotiate on nuclear issues. He said Tehran is prepared to “address any concern or question” about its nuclear program as part of a fair, balanced diplomatic process.
“We are fully prepared for fair negotiations based on equality, mutual interests, and a win-win principle,” he noted, while criticizing the United States for making “unreasonable demands” that delay progress.
He also revealed that Iran’s stockpile of 60-percent enriched uranium, weighing 400 kilograms, remains “under the rubble” from the war. “We haven’t touched it since before the war,” he said, suggesting that Iran is waiting for conditions to stabilize before resuming any activity.
Iran’s Foreign Policy: Strength Through “Good Neighborliness”
Araghchi concluded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and regional partnerships. “The Iranian people are proud and honorable,” he said. “They will never trade their independence for anything. Our priority is strengthening relations with our neighbors — a policy of good neighborliness that grows from a position of strength.”
This approach, he argued, signals Iran’s intent to project strategic confidence despite the toll of recent conflicts and economic pressure.
The Bottom Line
Araghchi’s message sends a clear signal: Iran is determined to rebuild, rearm, and reposition itself as a regional power capable of deterring future threats from Israel. Whether through diplomatic engagement or military readiness, Tehran’s latest warnings underline a tense and uncertain road ahead for the Iran-Israel conflict.
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