"We have repeatedly made it clear that Israel initiated the conflict with Iran, not the other way around," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X on 24/6. "So far, there has been no agreement on any ceasefire or cessation of military activities."
However, Araghchi emphasized that Iran would cease retaliatory actions if Israel stopped its attacks from 4 a.m. Tehran time. "We will make an official decision on ending military activities later," he added.
In another post approximately 15 minutes later, Araghchi announced that Iranian armed forces had carried out retaliatory operations against Israel "until the last minute at 4 a.m." His comments suggest that the fighting between Iran and Israel has ended.
"Along with all the Iranian people, I thank our brave armed forces, who are always ready to defend our beloved country to the last drop of blood and respond to any attack until the very last minute," Araghchi wrote.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, in 12/2024. Photo: Reuters |
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, in 12/2024. Photo: Reuters
Araghchi's posts followed US President Donald Trump's announcement that Iran and Israel had agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire. Trump stated that the ceasefire would take effect six hours after his post, around 4 a.m. GMT on 24/6.
"Iran ceased fire first, and at the 12th hour, Israel ceased fire. At the 24th hour, the 12-day war officially ended, which the world welcomes," Trump stated. "In each phase, the other side must maintain a peaceful and respectful attitude."
The conflict between Tel Aviv and Tehran began on 13/6 when Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran with "Operation Rising Lion," killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with "Operation True Promise 3." The fighting resulted in over 430 deaths and more than 3,500 injuries in Iran, and 25 deaths and over 2,500 injuries in Israel.
In the early morning of 22/6, the US intervened in the conflict, sending bombers to attack three Iranian nuclear facilities. Following the airstrikes, Trump invited Iran to the negotiating table. On 23/6, Iran claimed to have attacked US bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation. Sources indicate there were no casualties because Iran had forewarned Doha.
Nguyen Tien (CNN, AP, AFP)
