Iran says response to Israel is self defence, blames Tel Aviv for sabotaging US-Iran diplomacy

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran does not seek to expand its conflict with Israel to neighbouring countries unless forced. He described Iran’s military response as defensive. As Israeli air raids continued, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s opposition to nuclear weapons but defended its right to peaceful nuclear development. He said Iran had been ready to offer assurances in the now-cancelled sixth round of US talks, which could have led to an agreement. Araghchi also accused Israel of trying to derail diplomatic progress with Washington.