On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi refuted allegations made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth concerning injuries to Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Araghchi affirmed in an interview with MS Now that the new supreme leader is fully capable and carrying out his constitutional duties, and will continue to do so.
Strait of Hormuz: The foreign minister clarified that Iran had not completely closed the critical Strait of Hormuz oil shipping route, stating it was only restricted to vessels linked with the US and Israel.
He emphasized that access is permitted for all ships and tankers except those associated with American and Israeli interests.
Regional attacks: Addressing ongoing US and Israeli strikes against Iran, Araghchi promised retaliation for the US military attack on Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub. He declared that Iran’s armed forces would target any regional energy infrastructure connected to American companies.
Araghchi alleged that these strikes originated from UAE territory, specifically Ras al-Khaimah and a site near Dubai, deeming this “highly dangerous” and “unacceptable” due to the proximity of civilian populations.
Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s armed forces have already stated their intent to retaliate against any attacks on their oil and energy infrastructure.
Foreign assistance: When questioned about military support from Russia and China, Araghchi acknowledged them as “strategic partners” engaged in ongoing military cooperation, but withheld specific details.
Nuclear talks: Araghchi refuted ever threatening to militarize Iran’s enriched uranium reserves, explaining he aimed to illustrate the extent of potential concessions Iran was prepared to offer. He added, “We were close to reaching a deal. That is the reality.”
He asserted, “This is an imposed war against us. We did not initiate this conflict; we are solely defending ourselves.”
UAE response: Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, criticized Araghchi’s accusations of Emirati aggression against Iran. He described them as “part of a confused policy that has misdirected its aim, lost its compass, and forsaken wisdom.” In an X post, Gargash stated that Araghchi had “condemned his own country” and “entrenched its isolation.”
Gargash emphasized the UAE’s “sincere efforts” to mediate and avert conflict between the US and Iran. He also affirmed that the UAE “continues to prioritize reason and logic, maintaining restraint and seeking an exit for Iran and the region,” while asserting the UAE’s “right to self-defense in the face of this terrorist aggression.”