Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had a telephone conversation with the officials of Great Britain, France and Germany. Araghchi emphasized that Iran has shown restraint for two months and has now exercised its right to legitimate self-defense based on Article 51 of the UN Charter and exclusively targeted military facilities. "The operation is over, but if the Zionist regime retaliates, our response will be stronger. Iran does not aspire to escalation of tension and war, but it is not afraid of war either," Araghchi said.
In an interview with the Iranian TV channel, Abbas Araghchi stated that they did not exchange messages with the US before the operation. "After the response, we warned the USA through Switzerland that this is our right to self-defense and we do not intend to continue the operation. We have also warned the US and all concerned countries to stand back and not interfere."
He stressed that all countries should make efforts to establish a cease-fire, to prevent Israel's actions and especially the deepening of tensions in Lebanon and Gaza.
