Araghchi says war with US shows "regional security cannot be based on eliminating or ignoring Iran"

Tehran [Iran], June 14 (ANI): Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday said that the recent conflict involving the United States had demonstrated that "regional security cannot be based on eliminating or ignoring Iran", stressing that sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East require cooperation among all countries in the region.
Speaking at the second session of meetings with activists from Iran's popular organisations, Araghchi said the recent war had reshaped regional perceptions about Iran's role and influence.
"The experience of the recent war showed that regional security cannot be based on eliminating or ignoring Iran. The countries of the region have gradually come to the realisation that sustainable security, economic development, and regional stability are only possible through cooperation, understanding, and consideration of the common interests of all countries in the region, including the Islamic Republic of Iran," Araghchi said, according to a statement shared on Telegram.
The Iranian Foreign Minister asserted that the country's strength extended beyond its military capabilities and was rooted in national unity and public support, while paying tribute to those killed in what he described as the war imposed on the Iranian nation, particularly those who died in the most recent conflict.
He further stated that Iran had achieved not only tactical successes against the US and Israeli forces but also strategic gains that would influence regional and international dynamics.
"What showed the true image of Iran's power to the world was not only military power, but also national cohesion, the nation's steadfastness, and the people's conscious presence on the scene; an asset that today is considered the main support of Iran's authority in the field of diplomacy," he said.
Referring to international perceptions of Iran, Araghchi said the recent conflict had undermined narratives portraying the country as weak and isolated, noting that the conflict has "completely shattered" the perceptions.
"For years, efforts had been made to create an image of a weak, isolated, and vulnerable Iran in the world's public opinion. However, recent events have completely shattered this image and demonstrated the reality of the power of the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.
The Foreign Minister also alleged that the objective of Iran's adversaries had been to weaken the resolve of the Iranian people and destabilise the country's institutions.
"The main goal of the war planners was to break the will of the Iranian nation and create instability in the country's structure, a goal that was defeated by the presence of the people on the scene and the unparalleled display of national unity," he said.
Highlighting the importance of public support, Araghchi said national cohesion had strengthened Iran's position on the global stage and enhanced its diplomatic leverage.
He further called for a new regional security architecture based on collective participation and shared interests.
"The new security structure of the region requires the participation of all countries in the region and a vision based on collective cooperation, and the Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasised this approach," Araghchi said.
Araghchi's comments come at a time when diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and the United States appear to be gaining traction, raising hopes for a potential agreement that could contribute to broader regional stability. (ANI)