TEHRAN — Iran’s government on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing military operations against United States and Israel, stating that Tehran expects to “celebrate victory” in what it describes as a war of resistance. The country’s top diplomat also denied reports suggesting that Iran had sought a ceasefire or engaged in negotiations with Washington.
“We are engaged in a proud resistance and will continue our resistance without doubt,” said Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, in statements carried by the ISNA News Agency. “In the coming days, we will celebrate our victory in this war.”
Araghchi explicitly rejected claims that Tehran had communicated with the United States seeking a halt to hostilities. “We have sent no messages and have not requested a ceasefire,” he said, emphasizing that Iran remains fully engaged in the military conflict and intends to pursue its objectives without compromise.
Addressing concerns over international shipping and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the foreign minister asserted that the waterway remains open to global traffic but is “closed only to the enemies.” He stated that Iran’s aim is to ensure that the war concludes in a manner that deters future attacks or incursions into Iranian territory. “This war must end in a way that enemies no longer think of invading Iran and attacks are not repeated,” Araghchi stressed.
The remarks come amid a rapidly escalating conflict in the region that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran. The attacks have reportedly killed approximately 1,300 people, including the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, senior military officials, and civilians, according to regional sources.
In response, Tehran has carried out a series of drone and missile strikes targeting multiple countries in the region, including Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets. Iranian officials maintain that these strikes are aimed exclusively at US military infrastructure, though several attacks have caused damage to civilian facilities such as ports, airports, and buildings, as well as casualties among non-combatants.
Regional security analysts note that Iran’s public stance signals its intent to continue military operations without engaging in diplomatic negotiations at this stage. By framing its campaign as a “resistance” war, Tehran is signaling both domestic and international audiences that it perceives the conflict as a defense of national sovereignty rather than an act of aggression.
The Strait of Hormuz, which Araghchi referenced, remains a focal point of global concern. As one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, the strait accounts for a substantial proportion of daily global petroleum shipments. Disruptions to the passage, whether real or perceived, have contributed to rising international oil prices and heightened uncertainty in global energy markets.
While Tehran insists the strait is open for international shipping, the foreign minister’s remarks reflect a strategic posture designed to project both deterrence and control over key maritime routes, signaling that Iran retains leverage in the ongoing conflict.
The escalation has drawn widespread international attention, with neighboring Gulf countries urging restraint and warning against the extension of hostilities into neutral states. The broader regional conflict threatens to exacerbate humanitarian, economic, and security challenges, potentially affecting global supply chains, energy markets, and regional stability.
Araghchi’s statements underscore Iran’s determination to resist perceived foreign aggression while asserting control over strategic assets and infrastructure. The government maintains that its military operations are defensive and designed to prevent any future incursions into Iranian territory, reiterating Tehran’s long-standing message of sovereignty and self-protection in the face of external attacks.
As of Monday, the conflict continues to unfold, with ongoing drone and missile exchanges between Iran and countries hosting US and Israeli military assets. The situation remains highly volatile, with global observers closely monitoring the potential for escalation and the impact on civilian populations across the region.
