Araghchi Says Iran Will Not Bow to Pressure
By Sadiq Abdulfatah
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the Iranian people will never surrender to pressure, accusing the United States of turning to military action whenever diplomacy appears close.
In a message posted on X on Friday, Araghchi said Washington often chooses confrontation instead of dialogue when chances for a peaceful solution emerge.
He added that diplomacy repeatedly becomes the victim of such actions, but insisted that Iranians would not bow to threats or pressure.
His comments came after reports of overnight attacks near Iran’s Qeshm Island during clashes around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian media, parts of the commercial Bahman Pier on Qeshm Island were damaged during the incident. Explosion sounds were also reported near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran.
Iranian outlets said the country’s armed forces responded to hostile actions in the strategic waterway and forced opposing units to retreat.
Fox News reported that U.S. forces struck facilities in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas, while saying the action did not mark the start of a war.
Other reports cited Israeli sources denying involvement, while Iranian media accused the United Arab Emirates of taking part in the operation.
No casualties were immediately reported from the strike on the commercial pier.
Araghchi also rejected reports about the state of Iran’s missile stockpile, saying outside estimates were inaccurate. He insisted Iran remains fully prepared to defend itself.
The latest tensions come after months of conflict that began with renewed U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, followed by Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory and U.S. bases in the region.
A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire was announced on April 8, but later talks in Islamabad ended without agreement. Iran has since said any return to negotiations depends on the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade.
Source: Press TV


