In an interview with Tasnim, Araqchi categorically denied the media stories that have quoted the Iranian president as saying that Tehran was prepared for de-escalation of tension with the Zionist regime, saying, “Mr. Pezeshkian has not made such remarks at all.”
Araqchi, who is accompanying the president during a visit to New York for the UN General Assembly, noted that contrary to what has been quoted, Pezeshkian strongly condemned the Zionist regime’s atrocities in Gaza and its strikes on Lebanon at a meeting with the managers of a number of American media outlets in New York on Monday.
The president has emphasized that the Israeli crimes have violated all humanitarian and international norms and must end, Araqchi told Tasnim, adding that Pezeshkian has also made it clear that the Israeli atrocities, including the crime of assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, will not remain unanswered as Iran’s response will be given in due time.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran would definitely not be indifferent to the Zionist regime’s recent aggression against Lebanon and will defend and support Lebanon in an all-out manner,” the foreign minister stated.
At least 492 people, including 35 children, were killed in unrelenting Israeli attacks on Lebanon on Monday. At least 1,645 others have been wounded.