In a post on his X account on Saturday night, Araqchi highlighted Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s willingness to pursue de-escalation, contingent upon the non-use of neighboring territories for attacks against Iran.
However, he lamented that the president’s gesture was swiftly undermined by Trump's misinterpretation of Iran's military capabilities and intentions.
“President Pezeshkian's openness to de-escalation within our region--provided that our neighbors' airspace, territory, and waters are not used to attack the Iranian People--was almost immediately killed by President Trump's misinterpretation of our capabilities, determination and intent,” Araqchi said.
“If Mr. Trump seeks escalation, it is precisely what our Powerful Armed Forces have long been prepared for, and what he will get. Responsibility for any intensification of Iran's exercise of self-defense will lie squarely with the US Administration,” the foreign minister warned.
“Mr. Trump's week-long misadventure has already cost the US military $100 Billion, in addition to the lives of young soldiers. When markets reopen, that cost will balloon and directly be transferred to ordinary Americans at pumping stations,” Araqchi said.
“Mr. Trump's own National Intelligence Council, representing input from the 18 intelligence agencies of the US, determined that war on Iran is destined to fail. I also warned Mr. Trump's envoys that war will not improve their bargaining position. Were these warnings conveyed?” he asked.
“The American People voted to end involvement in costly quagmires in the Middle East. Instead, they have ended up with an Administration that Netanyahu, after decades of failed attempts, finally managed to dupe into fighting Israel's wars,” the foreign minister noted.
“This is a war of choice pursued by a small cabal of 'Israel Firsters', and 'Israel First' always means 'America Last',” Araqchi warned.
The United States and Zionist regime have launched a deadly military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei as well as senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
The campaign has involved extensive strikes that have targeted military and civilian areas, resulting in significant casualties and damage.
The Iranian Armed Forces have carried out harsh retaliatory strikes, hitting the US and Israeli targets in the occupied territories and the regional countries with a barrage of missiles and drones.