Iran’s Foreign Minister Warns US and Israel: Policy Remains Firm Amid Threats of New Conflict

### Tehran Defiant in Face of Potential Military Escalation

**TEHRAN** — In a televised address delivered this past Sunday, October 25, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi signaled a position of unwavering resolve, asserting that the Islamic Republic would not deviate from its current strategic policies even if the United States and Israel were to launch another military campaign against the nation. Speaking from the capital, Araghchi warned that any renewed aggression from the West would be futile, suggesting that the outcomes of such conflicts would mirror the failures of previous interventions.

#### A Cycle of Conflict and Defiance

Araghchi’s remarks come at a time of heightened volatility in the Middle East. He noted that there has been significant discourse regarding the possibility of a new round of war, but he emphasized that his administration is already focusing on the geopolitical landscape of the post-war era. According to the Foreign Minister, the fundamental tenets of Iran's national security and foreign policy are non-negotiable, regardless of whether the region slides back into open warfare.

He pointedly reminded the international community that the United States and Israel have already engaged in two separate military operations against Iranian interests. In his view, these actions served only to prove that military pressure cannot force a change in Tehran's ideological or political trajectory. "If they wish to attempt it again," Araghchi stated, "they should be aware that they will not achieve a different result."

#### The Threat of "Epic Fury"

The rhetoric from Tehran is a direct response to recent warnings from Washington. US President Donald Trump recently hinted at the possibility of a small-scale operation characterized as "epic fury." This terminology is widely interpreted as a reference to the joint military actions carried out by the US and Israel on February 28 of this year, which targeted Iranian assets. The return of such aggressive language suggests that the window for diplomatic resolution may be closing, as Washington considers military options to curb Iranian influence.

#### The Strategic Struggle over the Strait of Hormuz

While a ceasefire agreement reached on April 8 managed to halt the most intense phase of combat, the situation on the ground remains precarious. The focal point of this tension is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. Despite the formal ceasefire, sporadic clashes have continued in and around the strait, though there has been a slight decrease in intensity in recent weeks.

Since the onset of the conflict, Iran has claimed authority over the Strait of Hormuz, frequently intercepting or attacking vessels that enter the waterway without explicit permission. In response, the United States has maintained a robust naval presence, implementing maritime counter-blockade operations to ensure the flow of global energy supplies. This tactical stalemate has not only threatened regional security but has also had a cascading effect on global logistics, notably driving up shipping costs for Pacific routes.

#### The Collapse of Diplomacy

The current deadlock is further complicated by the failure of previous diplomatic efforts. In June, the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to create a roadmap for a permanent resolution to their long-standing hostilities. However, the agreement quickly disintegrated as both sides traded accusations of bad-faith negotiations and violations of the terms. While Iran has recently called for the restoration of these talks, the trust between the two powers has reached a historic low.

#### A Vision for Regional Stability

Closing his address, Araghchi argued that the nature of regional security has been fundamentally altered by the recent conflicts. He maintained that the management and navigation of the Strait of Hormuz can never return to the status quo that existed before the current hostilities.

According to the Foreign Minister, the only viable path toward sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East is the complete and total withdrawal of all foreign military forces from the region. He framed this demand not merely as a political goal, but as a prerequisite for any future diplomatic engagement, insisting that the presence of external military powers is the primary driver of instability in the Persian Gulf.