Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran urged Israel to halt military operations on the 15th (local time), stating that his country is also willing to cease its response in kind.
According to AFP and Tass, Minister Araghchi said during a meeting with foreign diplomats broadcast live on state TV that "if Israel stops its attacks first, we are prepared to halt retaliatory actions as well." He emphasized, "Our actions are defensive and justified under international law."
Minister Araghchi also criticized Israel's targeting of Iran's nuclear facilities as an act that crosses the 'red line' under international law, stating that he does not want the conflict to spread across the entire Middle East.
He also strongly criticized the United States, claiming there is clear evidence of explicit support from U.S. forces and regional U.S. bases for Israel's airstrikes. He pointed out that Israel's intention to undermine the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA) is the backdrop for the attack.
The lukewarm response from the international community was also brought up. Minister Araghchi protested, saying, "The United Nations Security Council is virtually silent, and Western countries are rather blaming Iran, which was attacked."
These remarks mark the first official stance expressed by Minister Araghchi in public since Israel's surprise attack on the 13th.