In a telephone conversation on Thursday, Araqchi and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan discussed regional developments and the implications of ongoing US-Israeli military aggression against Iran.

Araqchi expressed appreciation for Turkey and several regional countries' efforts to halt the incursions by the US and Israel against Iran. He also provided his Turkish counterpart with updates on the latest developments in the region.

The top Iranian diplomat characterized the simultaneous call for negotiations while continuing military aggression and the deployment of forces and military equipment to the region as indicative of a paradox in US behavior and rhetoric.

He underscored that Iran did not initiate the current war but is instead defending its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity against aggressors.

Araqchi emphasized the expectation that all countries in the region and the global community would responsibly condemn the aggressions and crimes committed by the US and Israel, holding the aggressors accountable for their blatant violations of international law and attacks on Iran.

For his part, Fidan acknowledged the ongoing consultations he has been conducting with other regional countries, reiterating Turkey's commitment to efforts aimed at helping to stop the war.

The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.

The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.