"Iran will not sit idly by as US attacks our people": FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi amid escalating conflict

Tehran [Iran], March 1 (ANI): Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran will not remain silent after the United States attacks its people, amid rising tensions following US and Israeli military actions.
He said Iran is acting in self-defence under the UN Charter and warned that those responsible for killing Iranian citizens would face consequences.
In an interview with NBC News, Araghchi said, "Engaging with counterparts from brotherly neighbors to clarify that Iran is solely exercising its right to self-defense under UN Charter. Iran will not sit idly by as the U.S. attacks our people. Regretful that targets are located in friendly states."

Interview with @NBCNews:

Engaging with counterparts from brotherly neighbors to clarify that Iran is solely exercising its right to self-defense under UN Charter. Iran will not sit idly by as the U.S. attacks our people. Regretful that targets are located in friendly states.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 28, 2026

"I do not know why the U.S. administration insists on beginning a negotiation with Iran and then attacking Iran in middle of talks. The same thing happened last June. 48 hours ago, even Oman's Foreign Minister confirmed," he said.

I do not know why the U.S. administration insists on beginning a negotiation with Iran and then attacking Iran in middle of talks. The same thing happened last June. 48 hours ago, even Oman's Foreign Minister confirmed

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 28, 2026

"We do not understand the reasons for the U.S. attack on Iran. Perhaps the U.S. administration was dragged into it. Here is what I do know: Iran will punish those who kill our children. Our enmity is not with the American people, who are being lied to yet again," he said.

We do not understand the reasons for the U.S. attack on Iran. Perhaps the U.S. administration was dragged into it.

Here is what I do know: Iran will punish those who kill our children.

Our enmity is not with the American people, who are being lied to yet again.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 28, 2026

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that the US had begun "major combat operations" in Iran after Israel also said it had launched missile attacks against the country, as per Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Multiple explosions have been heard in Iran's capital, Tehran, while blasts have also been reported in several other locations across the country.
Several countries across the region have shut their airspace amid the exchange of attacks.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Saturday issued an advisory for Indian students in the UAE to avoid unnecessary travel.
The advisory was one of the many issued by Indian missions in the Middle East.
"In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy. The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are continuing to function normally and will issue updates as necessary," the advisory read. (ANI)