Following the recent report that Israel and the US launch strikes on Iran as President Donald Trump announces ‘major combat operations in Iran despite the ongoing indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran in an effort to ensure that Iran did not obtained a nuclear weapon, and the report that the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrikes in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has delivered a defiant message, declaring that Tehran expects to celebrate victory in the coming days, and denying any reports that it is seeking a ceasefire with the United States.
According to a report made by Anadolu English on Monday, 16 March, 2026, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, vowed that Iran’s proud resistance would continue and stressed that the war must end in a way that ensures enemies no longer think of invading Iran, reiterating that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all except enemies.
He also said “We are engaged in a proud resistance and will continue our resistance without doubt. In the coming days, we will celebrate our victory in this war.”
The Foreign Minister also denied any diplomatic backsliding, stating”We have sent no messages and have not requested a ceasefire,” further making it clear that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran under the leadership of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei is not begging for peace; it is fighting for victory.
Seyed Abbas Araghchi went further to reiterated Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, stating”The Strait of Hormuz is open, and only closed to the enemies.”